Opera Australia Announces CEO's Resignation

Opera Australia today announced the resignation of CEO Craig Hassall AM, who has been appointed Chief Executive at London's Royal Albert Hall in 2017. Craig has given Opera Australia 6 months' notice during which time the company will commence a search for a suitable replacement.

Opera Australia's Chairman, David Mortimer AO congratulated Mr Hassall on his appointment on behalf of the Board.

"Craig has made a significant impact on Opera Australia over the three years he will have been with the company. The company continues to face challenges with the closure next year for an extended period of time of the Joan Sutherland Theatre at the Sydney Opera House, but Craig and Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini along with the OA team have introduced an excellent program to minimise the financial disruption and ensure exciting operas and programs continue to be available to our patrons and supporters throughout Australia.

"We will miss Craig and his leadership but recognise that his new appointment is a major one and it is wonderful to see an Australian again playing a major role in London's arts community," said Mr Mortimer.

After three years at the helm of one of the world's busiest opera companies, Mr Hassall praised his colleagues for their hard work and dedication during his tenure.

"I am very proud to have been CEO of Opera Australia. Throughout my long association with the company at varying stages of my career, I have always had the greatest admiration for the team who produce such an extraordinary range of works of the highest quality.

"With recent changes, a national review, the 2017 closure of our main theatre and challenges for the arts sector, I remain impressed at the company's ability to develop and define a 21st century Opera Company. I look forward to continuing to work with Lyndon and David Mortimer on this vision before I head to London in 2017, and of course wish the company continued success" said Mr Hassall.

Mr Hassall will take up his position at the Royal Albert Hall in the first half of 2017.