"The Canadian Opera Company (COC) is today announcing that General Director Perryn Leech will be moving on from the organization by mutual agreement. David C. Ferguson has been appointed as Interim General Director, effective immediately. We thank Perryn for his contributions to the organization over the last three years.

David brings a strong record of professional accomplishment to this interim role and has a commitment to the COC that extends to his time as both President and Chair of the Board of Directors. Prior to his retirement, David served as Executive Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of BMO Capital Markets.

David’s appointment will ensure stability and continuity of our operations while our search for a permanent General Director is underway.

At the COC, we have a deep commitment to artistic excellence and fostering an environment of creativity, respect and accountability. The Board of Directors has full confidence in David’s leadership over this interim period and looks forward to announcing a new, permanent leader for the Company once the search is completed."

—Jonathan Morgan, Chair, COC Board of Directors