Cressida Pollock is stepping down as chief executive of English National Opera (ENO). Pollock has led the company since March 2015, taking it through a difficult period after its Arts Council England (ACE) funding was cut in February of that year. She will leave her post in June, 2018.
Under her watch ENO has seen the appointment of Daniel Kramer as artistic director, received praise for its 2016-17 season and been reinstated as an ACE National Portfolio Organisation. It currently receives GBP12.38m (€14m) from ACE per year.
“When I arrived, the ENO was in crisis and the company’s survival was in real doubt,” said Pollock. “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.” She added that she is “very proud of our achievements”.
ENO chair Harry Brunjes stated that: “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.”
ENO will begin the search for a new chief executive later in September.