LONDON (CelebrityAccess) — In a surprise move, Tessa Ross has stepped down from her role as chief executive of the National Theatre after just six months on the job.
A former literary agent and head of Film 4, Ross said in announcing her resignation that there should only be one person in charge.
"It has become clear to me that the new leadership structure, with a separate role of chief executive, is not right for the NT at this time," she said.
Ross joined the National Theatre in 2014 with its current artistic director Rufus Norris. While creative or professional disagreement may seem like an obvious motivation for her abrupt departure, reps from the National Theatre maintain that her exit was not acrimonious.
"There is no difference of opinion, it is purely down to structure. The relationship is very strong," a spokesperson for the theatre told the BBC.
Ross added: "I will, with great pleasure, continue to work with Rufus and Lisa [Burger, executive director] as a consultant, ensuring the smooth delivery of their first season and planning for the next one.
"It is an institution that I love and for which it has been a great privilege to work." – Staff Writers
