Wexford Festival Trust appoints Paul Cleary as chairman

Wexford Festival Trust, the charity behind Wexford Festival Opera in County Wexford, Ireland, has announced the appointment of Paul Cleary to the role of chairman of the board. Effective from this month, Cleary’s new appointment sees him take over from Dr Mary Kelly, who has held the role since 2019.

Cleary has been both an artistic and administrative volunteer with for almost 40 years and has been on the board of trust since 2014, serving as vice chairman from 2016-2018. Alongside his new role, Cleary will continue to chair the Artistic Advisory Committee and contribute to the Finance Committee.

Wexford Festival Opera executive director, Randall Shannon added, ‘I’m really delighted with Paul’s appointment, his knowledge and understanding of Wexford Festival Opera, together with his passion for the artform, will be of inestimable value to the company going forwards.’

A native of Wexford and a passionate opera fan, Cleary has held various national and international roles in the wastewater industry and, since 2021, has worked in supply chain consulting with focus on circular economy and sustainable supply chain.

Cleary said: ‘I am honoured to be appointed to the role of Chairman of Wexford Festival Trust. I wish to thank my predecessor, Dr Mary Kelly for guiding the organisation through perhaps the most challenging period of our history. While the emergence from the pandemic still presents challenges, I am confident Wexford Festival Opera will continue to attract and delight opera lovers for many years to come.’

The 72nd Wexford Festival Opera will present 70 events this year from 24 October – 5 November 2023.