Tessa Ross shocks art world by stepping down as head of National Theatre
Her appointment had been hailed as a coup in some quarters
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Your support makes all the difference.The chief executive of the National Theatre has shocked the British arts world by stepping down just six months into the job.
Tessa Ross, who joined from her role as controller of film and drama at Channel 4, is to leaves saying the leadership structure “is not right for the NT at this time”.
She was appointed to work alongside the National’s new director, Rufus Norris, who took over from Sir Nicholas Hytner this month.
Ms Ross, who developed films including Slumdog Millionaire and 12 Years a Slave, officially started at the theatre in November, eight months after her nomination was announced. Her appointment was hailed as a coup in some quarters.
She said: “I joined the NT last year and have got to know the organisation in great detail. However, it has become clear to me that the new leadership structure, with a separate role of chief executive, is not right for the NT at this time.”
One insider said there had been no clash of personalities, adding that Ms Ross would continue to work at the National as a consultant, but that having two creatives at the top had failed to work.
Mr Norris said the chief executive’s role in planning his first year had been “invaluable and immense. I’m sad that our partnership is ending prematurely but am grateful for everything she has done here.”
He will continue to work closely with Lisa Burger, the National’s executive director, but there are no plans to replace Ms Ross.
Sir Nicholas and Mr Starr oversaw a hugely successful period in the National’s history, with innovative work on the stage matched by commercial success.
John Makinson, chairman of the National, said it was with “great regret that we are saying goodbye to Tessa in this role”, adding: “We recognise and salute the integrity of her decision.”
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