The Grand Opera House Trust has announced the appointment of Cathal Geoghegan, Managing Director of Henderson Foodservice Ltd, as its new Chair. Cathal succeeds Janette Jones who served in the role for two years.
A Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, Cathal brings extensive senior leadership experience across the foodservice, hospitality and not-for-profit sectors. His career spans finance and executive roles with organisations including, the Simon Community, and The Mount Charles Group, where he became Managing Director in 2013.
In addition to his executive roles, Cathal has a long-standing commitment to civic service, governance and industry representation. He has been a Trustee, and Deputy Chair, of the Grand Opera House for three years and served a term as President of the NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is a board member of both the Country Range Group and the Irish Foodservice Supplier Alliance and serves on the Renumeration Committee of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors where he also is a mentor with its Future Leaders Forum.
Welcoming Cathal’s appointment, Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of the Grand Opera House said: “I am delighted to welcome Cathal as Chair of the Grand Opera House Trust. Cathal’s long association with the Theatre, combined with his wider commercial and governance expertise will be invaluable as we continue to deliver an unrivalled performance programme, extend our community engagement activities, and support the Trust’s stewardship of this unique heritage asset.”
Commenting on his appointment, Cathal Geoghegan added: “The Grand Opera House is one of Northern Ireland’s most important cultural institutions, with both a remarkable history and an exciting future. As the Theatre marks its 130th anniversary, and at a time that is seeing record attendances, I look forward to working closely with Ian, the management team and my fellow Trustees to ensure the Theatre continues to thrive and play its leading role in Northern Ireland’s cultural life.”