English National Opera boss leaves ‘redefined’ company to head up the Roundhouse

English National Opera (ENO) leader JENNY MOLLICA is to take over as chief executive of multi-arts centre, the Roundhouse, replacing its 26-year-long boss, MARCUS DAVEY.

Mollica is to step down from her current role as chief executive of ENO in June of next year, having joined the organisation in 2020.

She will take up the reins at the Roundhouse when it says goodbye to Davey, who has led it since 1999 and announced his departure from the Grade II*-listed London performance venue this summer.

Under Mollica’s leadership, ENO “reimagined” its role and relocated its full-time base to Manchester, a move prompted by the risk of losing out on funding from Arts Council England.

She will leave ENO with a “full creative team now in place”, representatives said, and previous interim chair LOUISE JEFFREYS confirmed as the elected head of its board of trustees until 2028.

The process to appoint Mollica’s replacement is already underway.

Mollica said: “It has been an immense joy and privilege to lead ENO through a period of significant change and renewal, working alongside a truly outstanding leadership team and board.”

“Together, we have redefined what a national opera company can be – creative, inclusive and rooted in the communities we serve,” she continued.

“I am honoured to now be appointed as chief executive of the Roundhouse, an organisation that has long inspired me for its pioneering social mission. I look forward to seeing ENO flourish in the years ahead as it continues to innovate, inspire and imagine bold new possibilities for the future of opera.”