Puzey steps up to chair WA Ballet

West Australian Ballet has announced Ingrid Puzey is replacing Sherry Duhe as chair, a day after the company revealed its executive director Olivier David was departing.

A spokesperson for the company told Business News the two departures were not related. 

Ms Duhe has served as chair for the past three years, but recently moved from Perth to Melbourne after accepting a new job with Newcrest Mining.

Ms Puzey has been deputy chair since May 2021 and a board member from February 2018.

She has more than 25 years’ experience in philanthropy, fundraising and strategy and is involved in the arts sector as a director of the Chamber of Arts and Culture of WA and Sheila Foundation.

Ms Puzey is also chair of Equus Bonding Inc and the UWA Centenary Trust for Women.

Board member John Palermo will fill the vacancy left by Ms Puzey and become deputy chair.

Outgoing chair Ms Duhe said Ms Puzey and Mr Palermo had been strong supporters of the ballet and had contributed during their tenures on the board.

In a statement, WA Ballet shared its appreciation for the leadership and guidance provided by Ms Duhe over the past three years, including the launch of the company’s endowment fund, the addition of seven new dancers and navigating the pandemic.

The news came after WA Ballet announced yesterday that its executive director Olivier David was stepping down from his role after one year in the position.

The company said he was leaving to pursue overseas opportunities now that the borders were open.