Stuart Murphy to step down as CEO of ENO
Florence Lockheart
Thursday, October 20, 2022
Although Murphy’s five-year contract with the English National Opera will close in April next year, he will remain in the role until September 2023
The English National Opera (ENO) has announced that Stuart Murphy will be stepping down as chief executive of both the ENO and London Coliseum in September 2023. The search for his successor has not yet begun.
Although Murphy’s five-year contract will close in April next year, he will remain in the role until September to facilitate a smoother transition for his successor.
Dr Harry Brunjes, chair of the ENO and the London Coliseum, said: ‘Stuart has been an outstanding CEO during exceptional times. He has shown true leadership through Covid and in developing an ambitious strategy, creatively and corporately, and a diverse, talented company to ensure the ENO is in robust shape for future challenges.’
Throughout his time with ENO, Murphy has launched initiatives including free tickets for under 21s at the Coliseum designed to make opera more accessible to a younger audience. He also oversaw the expansion of ENO Breathe, the company’s social prescribing programme for those suffering from long covid to over 80 NHS trusts.
Murphy said: ‘I always intended to leave at the end of my contract, but the Board have asked that I stay on until September 23 to ensure a smooth transition to the next CEO which I am obviously more than happy to do… One important priority for me was to bring calm and stability to this historic organisation and I am pleased to be leaving a company at a time when its future has never looked more secure and exciting, with audiences at the heart of what we do.’
Murphy leaves a team including artistic director Annilese Miskimmon, who took the role in May 2020, and music director Martyn Brabbins, who joined the company in 2016. The news also comes as ENO renews its application to be an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation.
Murphy commented: ‘I couldn’t be prouder of our submission to the Arts Council for our next period of NPO investment, and look forward to discussions with them on what the ENO can deliver for audiences and stay true to our founding purpose that opera is for everyone.’
