Management turbulence continues at Opera Australia with the departure of Fiona Allan after three years as CEO, and just six months after Artistic Director Jo Davies left abruptly last August. The announcement at the end of January precedes the release of an enquiry into OA management processes by Creative Australia.

Jo Davies and Fiona Allan in happier times at Opera Australia. Both have now left the company, with Allan the latest departure, resigning from her position as CEO after three years. Photo © Daniel Boud

Born in Australia, Allan arrived at OA in late 2021 after an 18-year stint in the UK where she spent six years as Artistic Director and CEO of Birmingham Hippodrome following stints at Leicester’s Curve Theatre and the Wales Millennium Centre.

Announcing her departure, she cited the Brisbane Ring Cycle (programmed by former AD Lyndon Terracini), Lohengrin with Jonas Kaufmann and the launch of BMW Opera for All as highlights of her tenure.

OA’s Chief Operating Officer, Simon Militano, has been appointed as Acting CEO. The OA statement noted that programming for 2026...