English National Opera has announced the appointment of Helen Shute as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Shute will take up the role in November 2026 and will also become Chief Executive of London Coliseum Limited, overseeing both organisations as ENO continues to develop its artistic programme and national reach.
She succeeds Jenny Mollica, who steps down in May after six years with the company.
Helen Shute brings extensive experience across dance, arts and entertainment and is currently Chief Executive and Executive Producer of Rambert, a position she has held since 2017.
During her tenure at Rambert, she led an ambitious programme of new commissions and revivals, expanded the company’s national and international reach and established Rambert2 in partnership with Rambert School.
She also guided Rambert to become the first dance company to adapt major television intellectual property for the stage with Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby, which is currently touring in China.
Prior to Rambert, Shute was Chief Operating Officer of House Productions, working across television, drama and feature films, and previously co-founded Hofesh Shechter Company, helping to build it into a major international force in contemporary dance.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for ENO as it expands its work in Greater Manchester while continuing to present a London season, alongside its nationwide learning, participation and creative health programmes.
Louise Jeffreys, Chair of the English National Opera Board, said: “We’re delighted to appoint Helen Shute as Chief Executive of English National Opera and London Coliseum Limited, following a rigorous process led by the ENO Board. Helen is an exceptional leader with a strong track record in the cultural sector, combining artistic ambition with operational excellence and a deep commitment to broadening access to the arts.”
Helen Shute said: “I’m delighted to join English National Opera and London Coliseum Limited and to have, alongside the daring artistic leadership of Annilese Miskimmon and André de Ridder, the opportunity to shape the ambitions of a national organisation at such an exciting time in its extraordinary history.”
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