Opera Australia appoints Craig Hassall as CEO

Opera Australia has announced the appointment of Craig Hassall as Chief Executive Officer following the departure of Adrian Collette AM last year after 16 years in the top job.

Hassall has been associated with Opera Australia on and off since the 1980s and in 1995 served as Marketing Manager. Over the course of his career, he’s worked in senior roles in both local and international arts organisations including Bell Shakespeare, Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Most recently, he has been working in London as Managing Director of English National Ballet, Artistic Advisor to the London 2012 Olympic Games and Chief Executive Officer of international touring promoter Raymond Gubbay Limited.

His appointment comes after a four-month international recruitment process. Hassall said he’s thrilled to be returning to Australia after eight years abroad.

“The prospect of working alongside Lyndon Terracini and the great team at Opera Australia is thrilling and I am especially looking forward to playing a part in the ongoing success of one of Australia’s leading arts organisations,” he said.

Chairman of Opera Australia Ziggy Switkowski said that amongst many fine candidates, Hassall was the standout.

“He fulfilled all the requirements we were looking for including leadership and an understanding of the international cultural environment in which Opera Australia is now operating,” he said. “In addition to this, his history with the company represents a personal passion and connection which is invaluable.”

Hassall will move to Sydney and begin his time as CEO later this year.