The Board of English National Opera (ENO) have announced the appointment of Jenny Mollica as Chief Executive of ENO and the London Coliseum.
Mollica, who has been interim Chief Exec since August 2023 following the departure of Stuart Murphy, will take up her post with immediate effect.
Jenny Mollica joined ENO in 2020 from the Barbican and Guildhall School of Music & Drama. During her time as Director of Strategy and Engagement at ENO, she was responsible for leading organisational strategy, policy and partnerships, and also for the company’s learning and participation programme, ENO Engage.
Mollica’s previous roles have included working at the Barbican and Guildhall School of Music & Drama for over 10 years in a range of positions, including Director of Creative Learning, where she developed a range of participatory programmes across music, theatre, dance, visual arts, film and literature. She is Chair of the Board of the Clod Ensemble and a Member of the Lord Lieutenant’s Cultural Heritage Council for London.
Jenny Mollica said in a statement: “I am immensely proud to be entrusted with leading ENO towards its new future, serving the communities of London and Greater Manchester, and continuing our work on a national and international scale. Now, more than ever, ENO has a vital and unique role to play in the future of this extraordinary art form, and it is thrilling to be at the helm as we look ahead to this next act in the company’s life. I look forward to continuing to work with Annilese, the ENO Board and our exceptionally talented and dedicated company to shape and define this period of creative renewal for ENO, opening up new possibilities for opera in people’s lives in London, Greater Manchester and beyond.”
Dr Harry Brünjes, Chairman of ENO, said: “We are delighted that Jenny Mollica will lead the company at this vital time of development and change. Having conducted an extensive global search over the last few months, which attracted strong interest and experienced candidates, this appointment is the Board’s unanimous decision. Her ideas and commitment to future plans are compelling. We are delighted she has accepted this role.”
Annilese Miskimmon, Artistic Director of ENO and London Coliseum, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Board have appointed Jenny. She is a wonderful, talented and supportive colleague and collaborator. I am looking forward to continuing our work together with the rest of the company as we move forward with our ambitious plans for London and Greater Manchester over the coming years.”
English National Opera has had a turbulent few years, with their Arts Council funding suddenly cut in November 2022, in order to push the company to move out of London. Some of the initial cuts were then rewound, with a number of embarrassing u-turns for the Arts Council. In December 2023 EO announced that they are forging a partnership with Greater Manchester to find a main base for ENO in the city-region by 2029.
Earlier this month English National Opera announced its new season of new and returning operas for 2024 and 2025.
Currently playing at the London Coliseum is Spirited Away, until 24 August 2024.
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