Isaac Theatre Royal Chief Executive Neil Cox Moving On

Neil Cox, the Chief Executive of the Isaac Theatre Royal, has resigned from his position, David Stock, Chair of the Theatre Royal Charitable Foundation has confirmed.

“It is with regret but also with deep gratitude for his commitment and dedication to the theatre that we accept Neil’s decision. Neil believes it is timely for him to seek further challenges and we respect and accept his decision.”

Neil was appointed to the Chief Executive role in early 2009 following a brief period of consultancy for the theatre focusing on sourcing a wider variety of performing arts productions to be hosted at the theatre.

As Chief Executive he continued to focus on enhancing the range and depth of productions at the theatre, and took on responsibility for enhancing the profile of the theatre and managing the tasks and staff necessary to ensure a highly functioning, successful performing arts theatre. He was hugely successful.

February 2011 brought new challenges. The Isaac Theatre Royal was severely damaged and following continuing damaging earthquakes throughout the year the Foundation Directors decided to deconstruct, restore and rebuild the theatre.

“Project managing the recreation of the theatre required someone who could liaise with an enormous range of contractors, but also in our view, someone who understood the performing arts and the complex requirements for a performing arts theatre with enhanced facilities and 21st century upgrades,” said Mr Stock.

“Neil stepped up to work with us and project manage this enormous and complex task with extraordinary commitment and dedication. The Foundation Directors are very grateful to him.”

“Since reopening in November 2014, we have had three highly successful years of operation, adding significant value to the City rebuild and the people of Christchurch, and much of the credit must go to Neil,” said Mr Stock.

“The Isaac Theatre Royal has been Christchurch’s leading performing arts venue for over 100 years, and will continue to be so for another 100 years, but ahead of us is a rapidly changing operating environment with different challenges, a more competitive environment with new performing arts venues opening and a changing market.”

“We will be managing a recruitment programme very soon to appoint someone to help us meet these challenges. We are very confident for the future of the theatre.”

On behalf of the Theatre Royal Charitable Foundation and the Isaac Theatre Royal staff, we wish to thank Neil for his dedication and wish him well for whatever his next endeavours might be.”

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