18 November
- The Roundhouse is delighted to announce the appointment of Jenny Mollica, the pioneering CEO of English National Opera, as its new Chief Executive
- Jenny Mollica will succeed Marcus Davey, who steps down as CEO and Artistic Director of the Roundhouse after 27 years
Today, (Tuesday, 18th November) the Roundhouse has announced the appointment of Jenny Mollica as its new Chief Executive Officer. This leadership change marks a major milestone in the organisation’s evolution as Marcus Davey CBE steps down after 27 years at the helm.
Marcus Davey will continue in his role until Jenny Mollica starts as CEO in 2026 after a period of handover.
Jenny Mollica is the dynamic and inspiring CEO of English National Opera (ENO) and the London Coliseum. Under her leadership, ENO’s vision, strategic direction and impact have flourished across London and Greater Manchester. She also oversees the year-round creative and commercial operation of the London Coliseum, the West End’s largest receiving cross-arts venue and the proud home of ENO’s London season.
Jenny joined ENO in 2020 as Director of Strategy and Engagement, where she brought clarity, ambition, and innovation to the organisation’s strategic planning and business development. She also led ENO Engage, the company’s acclaimed learning and participation programme, elevating its reach and impact.
With an unwavering commitment to expanding ENO’s artistic and social influence, Jenny has been instrumental in driving the company’s national growth. She spearheaded ENO’s landmark partnership with the Greater Manchester city region in 2023 and championed the nationwide expansion of ENO Engage. Thanks to her leadership, more than 100,000 people across the UK now experience these transformative programmes each year in classrooms, hospitals, trusts, community spaces and online.
Among her many outstanding achievements, Jenny previously spent over a decade at the Barbican and Guildhall School of Music & Drama. As Director of Creative Learning, she played a pivotal role in shaping innovative cross-arts programmes, festivals and events spanning music, theatre, dance, visual arts, film and literature. Her visionary approach and inclusive leadership have left a lasting legacy across the cultural sector.
Jenny Mollica, CEO at ENO, commented: “I am honoured to be entrusted with leading the Roundhouse as its next Chief Executive. The opportunity to shape the future of an organisation that I have long admired for its deep roots in artistic innovation, social impact and sector-leading youth engagement is, quite simply, too irresistible a calling not to answer. It has been a privilege to lead ENO through a significant period in its history, and I am incredibly proud of all that we have achieved. I look forward to working with the Roundhouse Chair Simon Turner, Board and team to lead this iconic institution into its next chapter, building on the extraordinary legacy of Marcus Davey, whose visionary leadership has been nothing short of inspirational. It represents an utterly thrilling and unique opportunity – and one that I look forward to immensely.”
Simon Turner, Chairman at the Roundhouse, said: “My fellow Trustees and I are thrilled and deeply proud to announce Jenny’s appointment as our new Chief Executive. We greatly admire the exceptional leadership she has demonstrated and the pioneering change she has brought to ENO. She leaves ENO in outstanding shape and brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for everything the Roundhouse champions.
“Jenny was selected from an outstanding field of candidates, and I am very much looking forward to working closely with her, to drive forward our mission to empower young people, expand our artistic programme and further develop our fundraising and commercial operations.”
Marcus Davey, CEO and Artistic Director of the Roundhouse, said: “I’ve known Jenny for many years, and I couldn’t be more delighted to be handing over the reins of the incredible Roundhouse organisation to someone I have long admired. Jenny’s commitment to the arts and to nurturing creative talent is truly inspiring and I know she will bring great vision, energy, and passion to the role. She will lead an outstanding senior team in pursuit of our ambitious plans to shape the future of our organisation.”
Looking ahead, Jenny will lead the Roundhouse, as it continues to expand its impact through ambitious, world-leading youth arts programmes, amplifying the work housed in Roundhouse Works, the organisation’s landmark creative centre, and nurturing the next generation of artists and innovators. Under Jenny’s expert guidance, the Roundhouse will build on the success of the Three Sixty Festival, extending its reach to engage thousands of young people each year, while remaining committed to championing emerging talent through bold new projects and programmes, including an exciting new Commission and innovative creative collaborations.