New CEO Named for Jersey Opera House After Turbulent Year of Leadership Change

Jersey Opera House has confirmed the appointment of Sebastian Warrack as its new Chief Executive Officer, with his tenure set to begin in January.

Mr Warrack joins the island’s flagship theatre from the UK, where he has been Executive Director of Wiltshire Creative and Salisbury Playhouse. The Opera House board said he brings a strong track record in cultural leadership, alongside wide-ranging experience in producing theatre, festivals and touring work, and in collaborating with cultural organisations in the UK and overseas.

The recruitment process was launched earlier this year following the resignation of interim director Andy Eagle in the spring, during a period of significant senior turnover at the organisation.

The board itself has also seen considerable change, with Laura Robertson now serving as the third interim chair this year. She followed Dave Chalk, who stepped down just weeks after Mr Eagle’s departure, and Cyril Whelan, a long-standing board member who held the chair role for less than two months. Non-Executive Director Bruno Santos-Costa also left the board during the summer.

“Hugely honoured”

These leadership changes came as the Opera House was preparing for its long-awaited reopening after a five-year closure and a major publicly funded restoration project. The 125-year-old venue officially reopened in October following a £12.7 million refurbishment.

Ms Robertson said Mr Warrack’s appointment marks an important milestone for the organisation as it enters a new phase.

“His proven leadership, deep industry knowledge and passion for the arts make him an exceptional choice to guide the organisation forward,” she said.

Speaking after his appointment, Mr Warrack said he was “hugely honoured” to be taking on the role.

“I greatly look forward to working with the brilliant staff and board to develop the theatre’s next chapter together,” he said. “I would also like to pay tribute to my predecessors for establishing solid foundations on which we can build the theatre’s future.”