WASO chief takes a bow

WA Symphony Orchestra chief executive Mark Coughlan has resigned from the role, 17 months after he stepped up from a non-executive board role to lead the organisation.

WASO said Mr Coughlan was resigning for personal reasons.

Paul Shannon, who has been on WASO’s board for six years and is leading its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, will act as interim chief executive.

Mr Shannon’s past experience includes eight years as chief financial officer of Rio Tinto’s iron ore business, ending in 2018.

Chairman Richard Goyder acknowledged Mr Coughlan’s contribution to WASO, over the past 17 months as chief executive and as a board member for the preceding nine years.

“Mark is passionate about WASO and we wish him all the best in the future,” Mr Goyder said.

In a statement, WASO acknowledged the continued support of governments, corporate partners  and patrons during the current period of disruption.

“We are confident that WASO will return to the stage stronger than ever bringing joy to West Australians through music,” it said.

In other arts news, the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra this week announced the appointment of company director Simon Durack as its new board chair.

He succeeds Lloyd Smith, who stepped down from the board in January after nearly a decade with WAYJO.

The WAYJO board has also elected its current treasurer, and PwC senior manager, Laura Coles as deputy chair.

She succeeds Tony Ottaviano, who stepped down from this role after a long tenure.

New members joining the board are business executive Jon Bennett and musician Kate Pass.