New leadership team at Northern Academy of Performing Arts

The CEO of Northern Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) CARL WHEATLEY has announced he is stepping down from the role after six years to take up the post of chief executive of WISHH, a Hull-based charity dedicated to enhancing the city’s hospitals.

During his time at the performing arts school, Wheatley oversaw the organisation as it expanded its outreach and its full-time educational offering, and launched the Big Build campaign to renovate its Hull building.

KATIE WRIGHT and JAMIE WILKS, who have both been with NAPA since 2004, will be stepping into new roles to lead the organisation. Wright will become director of education, leading on curriculum and student development, while Wilks will become director of operations, managing partnerships and the day-to-day running of the academy.

Wheatley described his time as “a real honour”, saying he was particularly proud of overseeing “the growth of our full-time courses and outreach work in schools”.

“Katie and Jamie are the perfect pair to take NAPA forward. Their dedication, creativity and care for our students is second to none,” he added.