Rose Theatre Kingston Announces New Chief Executive

Following David Fletcher's decision to step down as Executive Director in 2012, and Stephen Unwin's wish to concentrate on the Rose's artistic and creative matters, the Board started a search immediately and has achieved success in a short period of time.

The Board has appointed Robert O'Dowd as the new Chief Executive Designate of the Rose Theatre. Robert Is an experienced senior manager with established leadership and financial skills and a demonstrable commitment and experience of engaging and working with communities in a creative and innovative way. His experience has been gained within both the private and public sectors, especially developing sustainable enterprises within the performing arts and creative sectors.

Robert will take up his new position immediately, working with Stephen Unwin and David Fletcher through a period of transition. He will become Chief Executive on 1st February 2012. Stephen Unwin will continue as Artistic Director and will build on the artistic success of the Rose through Rose Theatre Productions, Rose Plus and other creative developments.

Robert O'Dowd:
"I am delighted to be joining the Rose Theatre as Chief Executive to build on the excellent work that Stephen and David have been doing. Since the opening in 2008, and thanks to the support of the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames and Kingston University, the Rose has received great critical acclaim. The challenge is to ensure that this creative excellence leads to a long-term sustainable future and I relish the opportunity of working with Stephen and the team on delivering this."

Stephen Unwin:
"We will all miss David Fletcher enormously. But I'm thrilled that Robert O'Dowd is going to join us as Chief Executive and I very much look forward to working with him. The Rose is going from strength to strength and I know that he will play a hugely important role in helping the Rose realise its tremendous potential."

Anthony Simonds-Gooding, Chairman of the Board of Trustees:
"I am delighted to welcome Robert O'Dowd to the Rose as the new Chief Executive. I am confident that Robert will broaden the theatre's horizons and attract new revenues. I am particularly excited that Stephen Unwin will now be able to dedicate his energies where he is so brilliant – as the Rose's Artistic Director. I am confident that these two together will promote the Rose to a new level of performance and popularity. We will all miss David Fletcher who has been central to the theatre's achievements over the past 8 years. Happily he is not leaving us until May 2012."