News and Events
A Man of the Theatre Takes the Helm at ABTT
16th Dec 2009
At its annual Christmas Party, the ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH THEATRE TECHNICIANS� (ABTT) revealed to its members, industry leaders and invited guests, its new CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.
From an exceptional list of candidates invited for interview, ANDREW DE ROSA, a theatre and venue manager, topped the field to be duly appointed the ABTT�s first full-time CEO.
De Rosa, 49, a graduate of LAMDA�s Stage Management and Technical Theatre course, first came to prominence during his time at the former Apollo Leisure Group, serving from the 1980�s when it grew into the UK�s largest theatre operator, owning or managing many of the country�s best known theatres, with 25 sites in more than 20 cities and London�s West End.
Making his reputation as the Deputy General Manager of London�s Apollo Victoria, De Rosa rose to be a divisional head within Apollo, gaining significant experience in business development, corporate strategy, operations, PR, sponsorship, finance and HR. His managerial positions included time at Manchester�s Palace and Opera House and overseeing the grand West End reopening of the Lyceum Theatre.
It was these skills, coupled with De Rosa�s commercially minded and hands-on approach to management, his wide-ranging knowledge of the industry and over 25 years of leadership experience, which so impressed the ABTT interview panel.
Commenting on the appointment, ABTT Chairman Mark White said, �We are pleased to welcome Andrew who will lead the ABTT and re-establish the Association as the prime source of technical information and knowledge about live performance.
�He said at interview he needed a job that would provide him with a challenge and would stretch him. We have given him a job that will do just that and are very much looking forward to working with him.�
De Rosa, who takes up the post on 4 January, replied, �I am delighted to be taking the helm of the ABTT at a point when its members feel it is time for a new direction.
�I welcome the chance of using my skills learnt from working in the theatre, to reorganise such an important Association.
�I want to ensure that it continues to represent the best of British Theatre and, above all, support its members and be at the forefront of technical theatre�.
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