The Jersey Opera House has a “uniquely important role” in “enriching” the Island’s culture, the police chief has said, as he was appointed to chair the theatre group’s board.
Robin Smith will support the Opera House, which reopened last year following a multi-million-pound refurbishment, having been shut since the Covid pandemic.
His appointment comes following several senior departures, which included former chair and long-serving board member Cyril Whelan, his predecessor Dave Chalk and interim director Andy Eagle in April.
Speaking about his new role, Mr Smith said: “I am delighted to be appointed as chair of Jersey Opera House and have already received a very warm welcome from the board, executive team and wider organisation.
“I would like to pay tribute to Laura Robertson for her leadership as interim chair during a significant period of change, as the Opera House moves into what is clearly a new and exciting phase.
“As an Island community, the Opera House plays a uniquely important role in bringing people together and enriching our shared cultural life.
“I am very much looking forward to working with the board, the executive team led by [Jersey Opera House chief executive] Sebastian [Warrack], and in particular the staff and volunteers whose commitment and passion are at the heart of the organisation.”
Mr Smith succeeds Ms Robertson in the role, who has been serving as interim chair since Mr Whelan’s resignation.
She said: “It has been a privilege to serve as interim chair over the past year and to support the Jersey Opera House through a period of meaningful change. I am deeply grateful to the board and staff for their unwavering commitment and support throughout this time.
“As the organisation looks to the future, I am delighted to welcome Robin Smith as chair. Robin brings a wealth of leadership experience and a strong commitment to the Island community, and I have every confidence that Sebastian and Robin will make for a strong leadership partnership.
“I look forward to continuing to support them and Jersey Opera House build on the momentum of its successful reopening and deliver great cultural experiences for Jersey.”
The appointment follows a comprehensive recruitment process led by the board of directors.
Mr Warrack added: “I am delighted that Robin Smith has been appointed as the new chair of Jersey Opera House.
“He brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Jersey and its communities, and I look forward to working with him and the rest of the board as Jersey Opera House continues to go through a period of change and transformation.
“I would also like to thank Laura Robertson for her tireless work as Interim Chair and to say how much I have appreciated her strong support and guidance during my first few months.”
