STC Chairman Quits

Sydney Theatre Company Chairman Ian Darling will leave in February, the second high profile departure from the company in recent months.

Darling’s retirement follows the announcement that STC General Manager, Rob Brookman, would be standing down.

Darling has been a Director of the STC for seven years and has been Chairman for three years.

He will remain in the post until February 2010 at which time distinguished businessman David Gonski AC will take up the position.

“It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman of Sydney Theatre Company working alongside an exceptional management team and Board,” Mr Darling said.

“The decision to leave has been a tough one for me to make, particularly as the revitalised Company is making great strides locally and internationally under the inspired direction of Andrew Upton and Cate Blanchett. However, I believe arts companies benefit from regular opportunities to refresh and renew governance and the time is right for change. I know David Gonski will bring extraordinary business expertise, vision and energy to Sydney Theatre Company at an important time in its history.”

Award-winning documentary film director and producer, Ian Darling became Chairman of both the Board and STC Foundation in 2006. He has overseen an important period of transition at the Company, considerable artistic successes, expansion of the Company’s Education and thriving artform development programs, significant upgrades at the Company’s home base The Wharf, and the $5.8 million Greening of the Wharf project.

He leaves a Company in good financial health, on target to report a healthy profit from its 2009 season, with strong advance sales for 2010 and significantly increased levels of sponsorship and philanthropic support.

David Gonski said: “I look forward to becoming Chairman of Sydney Theatre Company. I admire the diversity and quality of the Company’s productions, the commitment to education and the successes, particularly in recent years, in broadening its reach. I believe there is great potential to build on these areas and I look forward to being part of that process.”

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