English National Opera Appoints New Chief Executive

Jenny Mollica will step into the role immediately, having served as Interim Chief Executive since 2023

Arts administrator Jenny Mollica has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the English National Opera (ENO) and will take up the position immediately. Mollica has been serving as the company's interim CEO since August 2023.

Mollica was first appointed to ENO in 2020 and came from a role at the Barbican and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. During her time as Director of Strategy and Engagement at ENO, she was responsible for leading organizational strategy, policy, and partnerships, and also for the company’s learning and participation program, ENO Engage.

Under Mollican's stewardship, ENO Engage has grown significantly, and in 2023 more than 164,000 people across the UK experienced its programs.

In December 2023, it was announced that the ENO would move its home base from London to Manchester by 2029 after Arts Council England slashed its funding. Among other cuts, it was proposed that 19 of the company's full-time orchestral positions would be cut, with the remaining full-time players being placed onto short-term contracts.

"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," Mollica said. "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."