ENO appoints Paul Reeve MBE as Interim Chief Executive

Paul’s appointment is part of a planned process to ensure a smooth leadership transition with current CEO Jenny Mollica before she moves to the Roundhouse.

Paul brings more than 20 years’ senior leadership experience across the arts and creative industries, including 11 years as Chief Executive of Into Film. Prior to this, he spent over a decade at the Royal Ballet and Opera, where he led work in learning, participation and audience engagement, developing large-scale programmes and partnerships across the UK.

His earlier career includes roles with English Touring Opera and the Royal Shakespeare Company, and he joins ENO from Birmingham Royal Ballet. Paul currently serves as a trustee of National Youth Ballet and Northampton’s Royal & Derngate Theatre, as well as serving on advisory panels for the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

In 2019, Paul was awarded an MBE for services to film and the arts. He has extensive experience of working closely with boards, funders and partners and will lead ENO through this interim period, supporting the continued delivery of ENO’s bold artistic programme and strategic priorities.

The Board will announce ENO’s permanent CEO following the completion of the recruitment process.

Louise Jeffreys, Chair, ENO Board, said
“We’re pleased to appoint Paul as Interim Chief Executive. He brings a wealth of leadership experience across the arts and the Board has every confidence in his ability to lead the organisation through this period and to maintain momentum as we continue to deliver our artistic and strategic priorities.

“The process to appoint ENO’s permanent Chief Executive is progressing well and we look forward to announcing the appointment following the completion of the recruitment process.”

Paul Reeve said:
“It’s a privilege to be appointed as ENO’s Interim CEO and to return to opera: the artform that ignited my own passion for the arts. I’m looking forward to working closely with the Board and ENO’s highly talented Executive team to lead ENO through this interim period.

“I’m also thrilled to have the opportunity to support ENO’s Artistic Director, Annilese Miskimmon, Music Director Designate, André de Ridder, and all of ENO’s outstanding artists, creatives, technicians and staff in the excellent work that they do. Jenny Mollica’s leadership has, and continues to be, brilliant. My role will focus on steering the ship in London, Greater Manchester and beyond, as we prepare to welcome ENO’s new CEO.”