The Sydney Opera House has announced that CEO Louise Herron AM will step down in August after 14 years at the helm of Australia’s premier cultural institution, tourism destination and World Heritage masterpiece.
One of Australia’s most respected cultural leaders, Ms Herron has delivered the largest program of capital works since the Opera House opened in 1973, including the acclaimed renewal of the Concert Hall and Joan Sutherland Theatre. She has also led the continued expansion of its programming and activities in order to engage and welcome more of the community.
“It’s been a privilege and a joy to call the Opera House my workplace for the past 14 years. People everywhere truly love this building and what happens in and around it. While this has been a very hard decision, I am confident that I am leaving the Opera House in the best shape I can – it’s time for someone else to lead this incredible organisation into the future,” said Ms Herron.
“I am proud that our ambition to be Everyone’s House is increasingly a reality thanks to the passion and commitment of the Opera House’s outstanding staff. I am also deeply grateful for the generous support of the NSW Government, our Trustees, artists, resident companies, precinct operators, contractors, partners and donors for everything they make possible, and to our audiences and visitors for embracing the continued evolution of the Opera House.”
From September, Ms Herron will join the University of Sydney as a Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow, where she will help drive the university’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders focused on the public good.
The appointment also marks a return to Sydney University for Ms Herron, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws before later completing a Master of Laws at the University of London. In 2024 she was recognised with the University’s Alumni Award for Professional Achievement.
“I’ve admired Louise’s leadership for many years. She has an instinct for bringing people together and helping institutions navigate difficult challenges without losing sight of why they exist. That’s a rare quality, and one that will enrich our University enormously,” said Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott AO.
“Louise shares a core philosophy with the University of Sydney, that leadership can be learned, should be widely available and is a collective responsibility. That’s what makes this such a natural fit.”
Ms Herron will also continue to serve as chair of the Creative Communities Council, a NSW Government advisory body established by NSW Minister for the Arts, the Hon. John Graham, MLC.
“Louise Herron has transformed the Sydney Opera House, and with it the cultural life of this city. Under her formidable leadership, the Opera House has never sounded more in tune with contemporary arts and culture,” said Minister for the Arts and Night-time Economy John Graham.
“The list of Louise’s achievements is long. Her tireless advocacy has seen the Opera House focus its vision on being Everyone’s House, ensuring our beloved icon plays a key role connecting more people with the arts.
“While she will be missed at the Sydney Opera House, I’m grateful she has accepted my invitation to remain as chair of the Creative Communities Council, where she will continue to provide valuable advice to the Government for the benefit of the arts sector and the people of NSW,” said Minister Graham.
“It’s impossible to overstate the impact that Louise has had on the Opera House, and on Australian cultural life in general. Since we started working together two years ago, I’ve had the great privilege of seeing up close the rare combination of qualities that have made her such a successful leader: her energy, her clarity of vision and her impeccable sense of integrity,” said Sydney Opera House Trust Chair Michael McDaniel AO.
“On behalf of the Trust, I thank her for her commitment to the Opera House and its people, and wish her every success in her ongoing and future endeavours.”
Ms Herron will leave the Opera House on August 6, exactly 14 years since she started as CEO in 2012. An international recruitment process to appoint the next CEO will begin shortly. In the interim, Kya Blondin, Executive Director, People & Government, will act in the role.
For more information about the Sydney Opera House, visit: www.sydneyoperahouse.com for details.
Image: Louise Herron AM – photo by Daniel Boud