The Roundhouse has confirmed that Jenny Mollica will become its next Chief Executive Officer, with the appointment announced on Tuesday, 18th November. Her arrival marks a significant transition for the organisation as Marcus Davey CBE prepares to step down after 27 years in post. Davey will remain in position until Mollica formally assumes the role in 2026 following a structured handover period.
Mollica is currently CEO of English National Opera (ENO) and the London Coliseum, where she has been credited with strengthening the organisation’s vision, long-term strategy and national reach. Alongside her leadership of ENO, she oversees the year-round artistic and commercial operation of the London Coliseum, regarded as the West End’s largest receiving cross-arts venue and the home of ENO’s London season.
She joined ENO in 2020 as Director of Strategy and Engagement. In that position, she played a central role in refining ENO’s strategic planning and business development, and led ENO Engage – the company’s award-winning learning and participation programme. Under her direction, ENO Engage increased both its reach and impact substantially.
Mollica has also been instrumental in extending ENO’s activity nationally. She led the development of ENO’s partnership with the Greater Manchester city region in 2023 and supported the expansion of ENO Engage across the country. As a result, more than 100,000 people now take part in these programmes annually through schools, hospitals, community settings, trusts and online platforms.
Before joining ENO, Mollica spent more than ten years at the Barbican and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. As Director of Creative Learning, she oversaw a wide range of cross-arts programmes, festivals and events across music, visual arts, theatre, film, literature and dance. Her work has been widely recognised for its collaborative and inclusive approach.
Reflecting on her appointment, Jenny Mollica said: “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 of the Roundhouse, commented: “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.”
Current CEO and Artistic Director Marcus Davey also welcomed the appointment, saying: “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.”
As she prepares to take up the position, Mollica will guide the Roundhouse as it continues to increase its national and international impact through a range of youth arts initiatives. Her remit will include strengthening the reach of Roundhouse Works, which is the organisation’s major creative centre, and expanding opportunities for emerging artists and young people.
Under her leadership, the Roundhouse plans to build on the momentum of its Three Sixty Festival, extend its engagement work to thousands more participants each year, and develop new commissions and creative collaborations that support the next generation of performers and practitioners.
