Wexford Festival Trust announces new President Dr Terry Neill to succeed Sir David Davies
Terry Neill. Photo: Ger Lawlor
Wexford Festival Trust today announced the appointment of Dr Terry Neill as its sixth President, succeeding Sir David Davies, who will be retiring from the role at the conclusion of this year’s festival. Sir David has served in the role since 2014 and will be honoured with the title of President Emeritus. Terry Neill will take up the role on 2nd November.
In taking on the role of figurehead for Wexford Festival, Terry Neill follows in the tradition of the eminent previous presidents including Sir Anthony O’Reilly, Sir Compton Mackenzie, Sir Alfred Beit and most recently Sir David . Terry brings to the role a remarkable knowledge of the opera world from his extensive involvement over a number of years as a trustee of Wexford Festival Trust.
The role of President of Wexford Festival Trust dates back to the foundation of the organisation in 1951. The President serves as the leading ambassador, representing the festival with distinction on both national and international platforms. This role is instrumental in advocating for the Festival's artistic vision, strategic development, and long-term sustainability across all stakeholder groups.
Commenting on his appointment, Terry Neill said: “It is a pleasure and a privilege to succeed Sir David Davies – and all that he has contributed – as President of Wexford Festival. One of life’s great pleasures is to be given an important role in something you love. The Festival has had 74 marvellous years defined by courage, creativity and innovation around Wexford’s unique mission. We have a world class artistic team, a new executive team with real promise and wonderful volunteers. The 75th anniversary is part of a flourishing next phase. I am delighted to have a role to play in it.”
Chairman of Wexford Festival Trust, Paul Cleary said: “I am delighted that Terry has accepted the appointment to become President of Wexford Festival Trust. Terry brings to this role an exceptional blend of experience, commitment, and passion for the arts. A long-time supporter of the festival, Terry has demonstrated unwavering dedication to its mission and values. His distinguished career, leadership experience, and extensive network make him ideally positioned to enhance our profile, build strong stakeholder relationships, and help advance the festival’s strategic objectives at this exciting point in our journey”.
Sir David Davies. Photo Ger Lawlor
Commenting on his term as President Sir David said: “I have served for 11 years as President of Wexford Festival, only the 5th president in a history of 74 years! The standing of the Festival in the opera world is a remarkable achievement that has gone from strength to strength. The achievement is based on what is almost a unique standard of opera production: the presentation of less well-known operas by renowned composers and outstanding operas by less well-known composers. One way or another it is Wexford’s reputation for providing long neglected operas which makes our Festival such a sought-after venue for opera lovers. To have been the President of such an institution, to have been given the opportunity to fill a role in a company one admires with passion is an honour I will always treasure. I am delighted that Dr. Terry Neill will succeed me as President with the experience and distinction that the role requires.”
Paul Cleary Chairman of Wexford Festival Trust, added: “Over the past eleven years, Sir David has made invaluable contributions and has shown incredible leadership and dedication to Wexford Festival Trust, all of which have been instrumental in shaping the Festival’s achievements. Sir David has become an integral part of the beloved Wexford Festival family, and to honour that commitment, the Trust is grateful that Sir David had agreed to become President Emeritus”.
Terry Neill’s 32 years with Andersen Worldwide/Accenture were spent in Dublin, Chicago and London. He was chair of the worldwide board of Andersen/Accenture and global managing partner of Accenture’s change management practice. Since returning to Ireland in 2004, he has been a Director of CRH plc, Bank of Ireland Group, UBM plc, and The Institute of International & European Affairs. He has also been a member of the Trinity Provost’s Cabinet, Provost’s Council and the board of the Trinity Arts & Humanities Research Institute. He was chair of Co-operation Ireland in Britain, and continues involvement in various aspects of peace and reconciliation on the island.
He was the chairman of Camerata Ireland for its first 10 years. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Wexford Festival Trust from 2020 and is a current member of the Governing Body of the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
He was a contributing author to the Harvard book: “Breaking the Code of Change”.
Terry Neill was born in Northern Ireland. He is a graduate (maths & physics) of Trinity, where his work with the Arts & Humanities led to the award of an honorary doctorate (D.Litt). He has an MBA from London Business School, where he was also a Governor for 13 years.