The board of Lyric Hammersmith has today announced that Simon Mellor will be stepping down as Executive Director of Lyric Hammersmith in January 2006. He leaves to become Producing Director of the new Manchester International Festival.
Simon Mellor said:
“After more than 11 years at the Lyric, this has been an incredibly difficult decision for me to take and it was only the exceptional opportunities to work as a producer across a range of art forms that has persuaded me to leave the Lyric for this new post in Manchester. I am very proud of what I have achieved over the last ten years or so here and that I am leaving the Lyric in a much stronger shape than when I arrived. With our roots deeper in our local community than they have ever been, with our finances in good shape and with David Farr at the helm as Artistic Director, I know the Lyric will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Simon joined the Lyric as Administrative Producer in January 1994 and became Executive Director in April 2000. In recent years he has overseen the successful £2.6 million construction of the Lyric’s new front entrance and education and rehearsal rooms and has been responsible for helping establish the Lyric Hammersmith as one of the most exciting and original theatres in the country – combining innovative shows in its two theatres with an extensive education and community programme.
Sandy Orr, Chairman of the Lyric, said:
“Simon Mellor has been an outstanding leader of a talented team at the Lyric. We are very sorry to lose him. Manchester's exciting new festival is lucky to attract him. After 11 years he leaves the Lyric in great order with energy to go onward and upwards. This is his legacy for which we are all really grateful.”
Recruitment for a successor to Simon Mellor will commence in September.
July 24, 2005
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