Professor Medwin Hughes CBE DL begins his tenure as Chair alongside the appointments of Louise Mitchell CBE and Sarah Hemsley-Cole, to strengthen Board expertise
Welsh National Opera (WNO) has announced that Professor Medwin Hughes CBE DL has commenced his role as Chair of the Board of Directors, following the conclusion of Yvette Vaughan Jones' six-year tenure as Chair.
The Company has also appointed two highly respected creative industry professionals to the Board: Louise Mitchell CBE, former Chief Executive of Bristol Music Trust; and Sarah Hemsley-Cole, respected production manager in the events industry and founder of SC Productions Ltd.
Louise Mitchell CBE brings to WNO extensive experience in arts leadership and venue management. As founding Chief Executive of Bristol Music Trust, she oversaw the £132m transformation of Bristol Beacon - the largest arts capital programme in the South West - which opened in November 2023.
She currently serves as Chair of National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain, is a member of Arts Council England's South West Area Council, a trustee of Impact Scotland, and a Council member of the Royal Philharmonic Society. A lifelong opera enthusiast, she brings deep understanding of both artistic excellence and strategic venue development to WNO's Board.
Sarah Hemsley-Cole is a Fellow of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where she trained as a postgraduate Stage Management student. Through her company SC Productions Ltd, founded in 2006, she has delivered prestigious events across the UK and Europe for capacities ranging from 5,000 to 90,000 people, working with international artists including Stereophonics, Ed Sheeran, and Sam Fender.
During the pandemic, she produced the Opening Event for Coventry, UK City of Culture 2021, and led the We Make Events Cymru team in lobbying Welsh Government for industry support. She is co-founder of The Network of Women in Events (NOWIE), an online forum for women in the events industry, and is passionate about championing diversity and young talent.
Medwin Hughes is former Vice Chancellor of University of Wales Trinity St David and Vice Chancellor of the University of Wales. During his accomplished 23-year career in higher education he led some of the largest transformational projects in the educational landscape in Wales and he has played a key role in several strategic initiatives associated with the arts in Wales.
A fluent Welsh speaker, he has served as the Deputy Chair of the Welsh Language Board and on numerous advisory committees of the Welsh Government and the Council of Europe regarding educational and cultural policy. His extensive service and leadership across many national charities and public bodies in Wales reaffirms his commitment and dedication to developing and supporting sustainable and resilient communities.
Professor Hughes joined the WNO Board in July 2022 and was appointed Senior Independent Director in January 2024.
Professor Medwin Hughes CBE DL, Chair of WNO, said: "I am delighted to officially begin my tenure as Chair for Welsh National Opera and to welcome Louise and Sarah to the Board – who both bring exceptional expertise and fresh perspectives that will be invaluable as we continue to build on WNO's outstanding international reputation.
"I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Yvette Vaughan Jones for her commitment and leadership during her time as Chair. Her dedication has left a lasting impact on Welsh National Opera, and I am grateful for the foundation she has built for us to continue upon.”
Louise Mitchell CBE said: "I’ve long been an admirer of Welsh National Opera –which is renowned for its artistic excellence and plays such a vital role in Wales’s cultural landscape. Therefore, it’s a huge honour to become a trustee at such a pivotal and exciting time in the Company's 80-year history.”
Sarah Hemsley-Cole said: "It is a privilege to join WNO's Board. I look forward to contributing my experience in large-scale production and event management to help WNO continue reaching new audiences and building the opera company of the future.”
Adele Thomas and Sarah Crabtree, Co-CEOs/General Directors of WNO, said: "We are delighted to be working with Medwin as our new Chair and to welcome Louise and Sarah to the Board. Their expertise and passion in arts leadership, venue transformation, and production excellence will be instrumental as we build the opera company of the future. We look forward to working with them as we continue this exciting new chapter for Welsh National Opera."