Key Points
- Jenny Mollica, currently Chief Executive of English National Opera (ENO), has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Roundhouse, an iconic North London arts venue.
- Mollica has been interim Chief Executive at ENO since August 2023 and officially became permanent CEO thereafter.
- She joined ENO in 2020 from roles at the Barbican and Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
- At ENO, she led organisational strategy, policy, partnerships, and broad learning and participation programmes such as ENO Engage.
- Mollica will step down from ENO in June 2026 before starting her position at the Roundhouse.
- The Roundhouse is located in Chalk Farm, Camden, North London, and is a Grade II* listed former railway engine shed turned performing arts venue.
- Mollica’s leadership at ENO included navigating Arts Council England funding challenges, expanding ENO’s creative reach and social impact.
- ENO Chair Dr Harry Brunjes and Music Director Martyn Brabbins praised her dedication and impact.
- The news was reported by multiple outlets including The Stage’s Matthew Hemley.
What is the significance of Jenny Mollica’s appointment as Roundhouse CEO?
As reported by Matthew Hemley of The Stage on November 18, 2025, Jenny Mollica, the current Chief Executive of English National Opera (ENO), has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the Roundhouse, a prominent arts venue located in North London’s Chalk Farm area. This appointment represents a notable leadership change for the Roundhouse, one of North London’s most recognised cultural venues with a rich history and a commitment to fostering creativity and community engagement.
Mollica’s extensive experience in leading a major national opera company positions her well to oversee the Roundhouse’s diverse artistic and community programmes. The Roundhouse has evolved from its historic use as a railway engine shed into a vibrant hub for music, theatre, and creative events, deeply embedded in North London’s arts scene.
Where is the Roundhouse located, and what is its cultural significance in North London?
The Roundhouse is situated at Chalk Farm Road, Camden, NW1 8EH, in North London. It is a Grade II* listed building, originally built in 1847 as a circular railway engine shed with a turntable. It was converted into an arts venue in the 1960s and has since become a landmark known for progressive music, theatre, and cultural events. The venue’s heritage, combined with state-of-the-art facilities, makes it a focal point for artistic innovation in the North London cultural landscape.
The venue hosts a wide range of international and local events and is supported by a creative environment aimed at nurturing artists. Its location in Camden, a vibrant area famed for music and youth culture, situates it at the heart of North London’s artistic life, with easy access via the Northern Line (Chalk Farm station) and proximity to other cultural sites such as the Regent’s Park and London Zoo.
What has been Jenny Mollica’s career path leading to this appointment?
Jenny Mollica’s career in arts administration spans over a decade, culminating in her role as Chief Executive of ENO, which she undertook permanently after serving as interim CEO from August 2023. Before ENO, she held senior roles at the Barbican and Guildhall School of Music & Drama, focusing on strategy, engagement, and participation.
At ENO, Mollica was instrumental in overseeing broad organisational strategies, policy development, and partnership management. She championed initiatives like ENO Engage and ENO Breathe, which have had nationwide social impact, especially by extending access to opera and classical music to diverse and often underserved communities.
How has Jenny Mollica influenced ENO during her tenure?
Jenny Mollica played a crucial role in ENO’s creative renewal and outreach, working alongside Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon and Music Director Martyn Brabbins. Under her leadership, ENO strengthened its commitment to accessibility, education, and community participation, with participation numbers reaching into the hundreds of thousands each year.
Her tenure was marked by navigating complex funding environments, including securing support from Arts Council England for the 2023–26 funding cycle. ENO Chair Dr Harry Brunjes publicly commended Mollica’s dedication to securing the organisation’s future during challenging times. Brabbins echoed this, highlighting her ability to balance artistic excellence with broad public engagement.
What are the implications of Mollica’s move for ENO and the Roundhouse?
Jenny Mollica is set to step down from her ENO role in June 2026 to assume her leadership position at the Roundhouse. This transition will allow ENO to undertake a public search for a new CEO, while the Roundhouse welcomes a leader with proven capability in steering arts organisations through both artistic and administrative challenges.
The Roundhouse stands to benefit from Mollica’s vision and experience, particularly her focus on expanding access and engagement, which aligns well with the venue’s ethos of community empowerment through the arts. Her appointment emphasises the continuing importance of the North London cultural scene as a vibrant centre for innovation and artistic excellence.
Jenny Mollica’s appointment as Chief Executive of the Roundhouse underlines her status as a leading figure in London’s cultural sector. With a track record of strategic leadership at ENO and a strong commitment to community and artistic engagement, she is poised to advance the Roundhouse’s role as a key creative hub in North London’s dynamic arts landscape.
