CEO who transformed Opera House fortunes to quit post

The chief executive of Cork Opera House, who led the venue back from the brink of financial collapse, is to leave her position when her five-year contract expires later this year.

Mary Hickson confirmed last night she will not be renewing her contract in October. “I said it from the day I signed up that I would do five years and fulfil my contract. I also made that commitment to my family. And I meant it,” she said.

“That’s what I promised. I’m a woman of my word. I genuinely believe it’s the right thing to do, that it’s a positive thing for me and for the business though.