Bristol Old Vic Executive Director and Co-CEO announces departure at the end of this summer

Charlotte Geeves has led Bristol Old Vic for six years as Executive Director and co-CEO, guiding the organisation through Covid-19 and a change in artistic leadership. She will leave later this year to lead the National Ballet of Canada. 

During her tenure, Geeves has overseen a growth in earnings from commercial activity, corporate partnerships and fundraising, and improved ticket sales. Together with the leadership team she has enabled the continuation of a broad programme of creative activity, on and off-stage, in the face of rising costs and a reduction in public investment. 

Speaking today, Charlotte Geeves said: “There are very few organisations that become part of your soul, but Bristol Old Vic is one of those. I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved over the last six years, and whilst I will not be here, I’m very excited about the direction of travel for BOV under Nancy’s artistic direction, as it continues with the development of the next generation of British plays and new musicals.” 

Bernard Donoghue OBE, Bristol Old Vic's Chair, said: “All of us at Bristol Old Vic will be very sorry to see Charlotte leave us. She has been a fantastic and inspiring Executive Director and Joint CEO, leading us all through some of the most challenging times including the recovery post-pandemic and the subsequent cost of living crisis; managing our stakeholder and funding relationships with great political judgement, care and sensitivity; and creating an environment for our artistic ambitions, mission and values to become evident and realised. I’m very grateful to her for passion, enthusiasm, energy and commitment and my sadness at losing Charlotte is softened by real delight and pride in her new exciting future role.” 

Nancy Medina, Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic, said: “I couldn’t have asked for a more hard-working, kind, funny and empathetic person to have started my journey here as joint CEO. I can't thank Charlotte enough for her amazing energy and dedication to our mission, and her extensive knowledge and skills which have helped steer the organization - she'll be such a huge asset to The National Ballet of Canada.” 

Rags Davloor, Board Chair of the National Ballet of Canada said: “On behalf of everyone at The National Ballet of Canada, we look forward to warmly welcoming Charlotte to our company and to Canada. Her leadership at Bristol Old Vic and other major UK cultural institutions reflects a thoughtful, forward-looking approach to arts administration. Charlotte brings not only a strong grasp of organizational strategy and financial stewardship, but also a clear-eyed commitment to the role the arts play in civic life. Her perspective and experience make her a strong and complementary partner to Artistic Director Hope Muir, and we are excited to see what we will build together.” 

Charlotte Geeves (Exec Director) and Nancy Medina (Artistic Director). Photo Barbara Evripidou

Bernard Donoghue confirmed that David Harraway, Bristol Old Vic’s Director of Production & Operations, will co-lead Bristol Old Vic with Nancy Medina during the interim period until a permanent Executive Director is in post. Applications for the permanent role open today with Donna Munday leading the recruitment process on behalf of the Trustees. 

Bernard Donoghue said: “We have started the process of recruiting Charlotte's successor who, in partnership with Nancy, the staff and the Board, will build on all that Charlotte has achieved and will join us in our 260th anniversary year in 2026.” 

Nancy Medina continued: “I look forward to working alongside someone who can offer passion, compassion and fierce commitment for the work Bristol Old Vic does now, and the work we want to do in the future.” 

A Recruitment Pack for the Executive Director role including information about how to apply can be found at bristololdvic.org.uk/about/jobs. Applications close 12pm, Wed 17 September 2025.