Former CEO of DoneDeal John Warburton is new general manager of National Opera House

The National Opera House, Wexford has appointed John Warburton to the newly created position of General Manager of the award-winning performance venue. The appointment marks a significant milestone in the organisation’s development as for the first time since opening its doors in 2008, there will be a dedicated General Manager to focus on the operation and development of the National Opera House exclusively. John will lead the next phase of the company’s development.

John is a long-time resident of Wexford where he’s lived with his family for the past 22 years.  John is an experienced executive manager with over 35 years of local, national and international managerial experience, specialising in business development and creating a positive, productive workplace environment and culture. John is a former CEO of DoneDeal, a Wexford-based business success story.

With a powerful passion for music, John is also an amateur musician and has been a great supporter of the arts in Wexford and beyond. His volunteer track record also extends to supporting and mentoring established businesses and Start-Ups in association with the Wexford Enterprise Association at the Wexford Enterprise Centre. 

Commenting on his new role as General Manager, John said, “I am really excited to be part of this award-winning performance venue located in the heart of Wexford. The National Opera House is a landmark building with two diverse performance spaces encompassing fantastic facilities that any performer or group would be proud to perform in. This performance venue has really supported and enriched the arts and wider community of Wexford and beyond.  You only have to look at the 2022/23 programme of events to see the growth and dynamic range on offer from this performance space. The National Opera House has a world class team with a wealth of arts and theatre experience, fully supported by a Board of Directors with a diverse range of skills to compliment the team.

I am honoured to join this outstanding team and look forward to the next exciting phase for the National Opera House, working closely with the team, Board and community in general. I encourage everybody to visit the landmark National Opera House and become part of this exciting Wexford community story.”

Chairman of the National Opera House, Paul Hennessey commented, “We are delighted that John has joined the National Opera House team. He is a highly accomplished business leader and brings a range and depth of business skills that will make a real difference to the company. We have very  ambitious plans for the future development  of our business and John’s appointment is a key step in realising these ambitions. He is the right person to  lead our business and we look to the future with a deep sense of confidence and excitement.”

The National Opera House is a year-round receiving venue which hosts local, national and international events including all genres of music, dance, theatre, spoken-word, comedy and education. It also home of The House Café & Bistro located on the top floor sporting stunning views of Wexford Town and Harbour.  To date, it is estimated that nearly two-million people have come through the doors of the National Opera House.