David McLoughlin, the long-standing CEO of the Wexford Festival Opera has announced he will step down at the end of March.

After 13 years as the CEO, McLoughlin announced that he had decided to make the move from opera to return to producing roles in the film and television sector from where he had come prior to his work in Wexford.

In an official statement, McLoughlin said, “It has been a huge privilege and honor to serve as CEO of Wexford Festival Opera and the National Opera House over the past thirteen years – a period of many challenges but also much success and growth. I am immensely grateful to the current and past Chairpersons and board members of Wexford Festival Trust and the National Opera House for their support and guidance during my term, and to the great team of colleagues that I have had the pleasure to work alongside over the many years. The broader Wexford ‘family’, including the local community, the Volunteer corps, and Wexford’s numerous Friends, donors, and supporters, have also provided me with great encouragement and inspiration since my arrival. Wexford Festival and the National Opera House make an increasingly significant contribution to the national and international cultural landscape. Their importance and leadership can only grow over the coming months and years. I wish the organization and all associated with its ongoing success in its continuing and future endeavors. Although I will be leaving Wexford, it will always have a special place in my heart.”

During his tenure, McLoughlin oversaw the completion of the capital redevelopment of the then Wexford Opera House as well as the expansion of Wexford Festival’s fundraising activities into new international territories. He also oversaw the pioneering of new broadcast and digital streaming initiatives in association with RTÉ, the EBU, and ARTE over many years. During his time as CEO, the festival won Best Festival at the International Opera Awards in 2017 and the National Opera House won Best Live Venue at the IMRO Awards.