Richard Mantle reveals the path he took to his current role
GENERAL DIRECTOR Opera North (1995–present)
I run one of the largest performing arts organisations in the country, and it brings a lot of reward and a huge number of headaches. Financial issues are omnipresent, but they are simply part of what one deals with. I work with an extremely able team and together we keep a large number of balls in the air. I am passionate about
my artform and still get excited when I see all the disparate elements of an opera coalesce into a great performance – when that buzz goes, then it’s time to leave.
GENERAL DIRECTOR Edmonton Opera (1991–1995)
In 1991 I moved to Canada to run this company, which gave me my first real experience of a role equally spread between Artistic Director and Manager. I had a great time developing my North American contacts and collaborating with interesting companies and artists, but my time there was cut short by the invitation from Opera North to become its General Director.
MANAGING DIRECTOR Scottish Opera (1985–1991)
When I took this job found myself working with no less than three artistic directors already in post. The company was over-capitalised and under-financed, and I had to spend a great deal of time fighting its corner, not only against the general vicissitudes of financial crises both within and outside Scotland, but with those who held a more parochial view about its future.
PERSONNEL DIRECTOR/DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR
English National Opera (1979–1985)
I transferred my business skills to English National Opera in the newly created post of Personnel Director. The learning curve was steep, but I developed a new management structure for the company which resulted in me being appointed the Deputy Managing Director. The learning curve just got steeper!
PERSONNEL MANAGER J Walter Thompson (1973–1979)
I used my personnel and HR experience to join this advertising company. This proved to be pivotal, as it was from here that I moved into the world of opera.
PERSONNEL MANAGER Beecham Group (1971–1973)
I began life as a Management Trainee with the Sanderson Wallpaper Company and soon moved into Personnel and HR, which became my business expertise. This led me to the Beecham Group (pharmaceuticals and consumer products), where I was involved in recruiting, training, restructuring and takeovers.