English National Opera (ENO) has today announced that Cressida Pollock, the company’s Chief Executive, is to leave her role at the end of ENO’s current season in June 2018.

Cressida Pollock, who joined ENO in March 2015, said: 

I will be greatly saddened to leave this incredible institution, which it has been a privilege to lead. I am very proud of our achievements to date and am grateful to the extraordinary people I work alongside. When I arrived, the ENO was in crisis and the company’s survival was in real doubt. I am delighted that we have brought stability and secured ENO’s future. My successor will be able to focus on ensuring that the ENO continues to produce award-winning work at the heart of the UK opera scene.’

Dr Harry Brunjes, Chairman of ENO, added:
‘Cressida has turned around our fortunes to deliver financial security, while keeping us on a solid creative footing. Cressida has led the ENO back into the Arts Council England’s National Portfolio and brought together a leadership team who the Board are confident can continue to help ENO thrive and develop. On behalf of the Board it has been a pleasure to observe her courage and positivity in the face of ENO’s immense challenges. We will be sorry to lose her energy and determination to achieve success when she steps down next June.’ 

Cressida Pollock joined ENO as Interim Chief Executive Officer in March 2015, following the company’s removal from Arts Council England’s National Portfolio in February 2015. She was then appointed on a fixed-term contract in September 2015. ENO is now stable and was readmitted to ACE’s National Portfolio in June 2017. This commitment of four years of ACE funding means that the company is now better placed to continue to bring world-class opera to the widest possible audience whilst also increasing investment in its ENO Baylis (ENO’s learning and participation programme) and talent development schemes.

ENO will begin the process of appointing a new Chief Executive Officer later this month.