Opera north appoints David Collins as new executive director/ deputy CEO

Opera North has today announced the appointment of David Collins to the role of executive director/ deputy CEO. The newly created role reflects Opera Norths’ recent expansion while aligning audience development and marketing with business and commercial elements of the company.

David Collins comments: ‘As Opera North returns to a full programme of live performance and begins to realise the potential of our transformed home in Leeds I’m thrilled to be taking on this role. It remains a challenging time as we emerge from the pandemic, but there is also huge opportunity to learn lessons from the past 18 months of extraordinary change, forging new ways of making and sharing music with people across the North and around the world.’

In his previous role as director of external affairs at Opera North, Collins recently oversaw the fundraising campaign for Music Works, an £18 million capital redevelopment programme which has transformed Opera North’s headquarters. The programme has integrated new flexible facilities for rehearsals and administration into the company’s Central Leeds headquarters, as well as a new entrance and front of house space and a new restaurant and bar, all of which are due to open in 2022. The company’s growing education programme is also housed in the new Bramall Education Studio. Before joining Opera North, Collins was head of marketing at the Royal Shakespeare Company. He is also a Trustee of the association of European opera companies, Opera Europa, as well as Pilot Theatre.

Richard Mantle, general director/CEO, Opera North, comments: ‘I am delighted to announce that David Collins has accepted my invitation to be appointed executive director/deputy CEO, building on the significant contribution he has made to Opera North as director of external affairs over the past five years. During his tenure he has become a valued colleague and has provided crucial leadership in marketing, revenue generation and fundraising, not least steering the £18 million Music Works fundraising campaign to transform our estate and operations, while retaining a clear focus on the company’s engagement with audiences and communities.’ He adds: ‘His expanded remit as executive director and deputy CEO will further strengthen Opera North’s senior management team at a time of real renewal and drive for the Company, as we embark on our first large scale tour since early 2020, and open our buildings to share an expanded programme of artistic and participation activity with audiences across the North.’

You can find out more about Opera North at their website.