CEO of Royal Albert Hall speaks at Cultural Cities forum this September

Above: Craig Hassall, Royal Albert Hall CEO (courtesy Royal Albert Hall)

Future Cities Forum is delighted that the CEO of Royal Albert Hall, Craig Hassall, will be joining our 'Cultural Cities' forum this month.

It has been announced that Craig will step down at the start of the 2023 season, having accepted a position as President and Chief Executive of Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio.

Hassall joined the Hall in 2017 from his previous role as CEO of Opera Australia. He led extensive plans for the Hall’s 150th anniversary in 2021, and subsequently its survival and recovery through the Covid-19 Pandemic – which resulted in the Hall’s first closure since World War II.

During his six-year tenure, Hassall oversaw a multimillion programme of refurbishment of the Grade I listed venue, dramatic growth in the Hall’s own concert promotions as well as a wide array of initiatives diversifying the Hall’s reach and engagement work.

Craig said:

“After six wonderful years at the Hall it is time for me to bid a very fond farewell. I have genuinely loved working with the team, and despite all the recent challenges we have faced, it has been a huge privilege to lead the Royal Albert Hall through some great times (and some daunting ones!)”

Ian McCulloch, President of the Royal Albert Hall said:

“We have benefitted from Craig’s many talents for nearly six years. During this tenure, Craig has accomplished a great deal for the good of the Hall and the wider cultural sector. He has played a pivotal role in sustaining us through the Covid-19 pandemic, in enhancing our reputation and in enabling the Hall to reach even wider audiences. He will be leaving us with our deep gratitude and goodwill.”

Hassall, 57, will now lead one of North America’s top performing arts centres in Playhouse Square, the second largest theatre district in the United States, with 11 venues in total. He replaces outgoing CEO Gina Vernaci, who retires in February after a 39-year career with the organisation.

Hassall continued:

“Playhouse Square has a great history of accomplishment and leadership in the performing arts industry. It’s poised to play an even bigger role and I am honoured and excited to have the opportunity to partner with the Board of Trustees and this talented team to take Playhouse Square to the next level.”

Hassall will relocate to Cleveland to join Playhouse Square in early 2023, after completing the London Christmas season and the bedding in of the annual Cirque du Soleil season.

In addition to his role as Chief Executive of the Royal Albert Hall, he also held the Chief Executive position at Opera Australia and was Managing Director of the English National Ballet. He was also Chief Operating Officer at Raymond Gubbay Limited, and has held senior artistic roles for major projects including the 2000 and 2012 Olympic Games in Sydney and London. The Hall will announce plans for Craig’s replacement in due course.