Anu Giri appointed as new Executive Director of English National Ballet

A skilled senior executive and experienced arts leader, Anu joins English National Ballet from the British Film Institute where she has been Director of Business and Operations, responsible for business planning, income generation and operational delivery of BFI venues and festivals.

Prior to this, she held the position of Executive Director for Dance Umbrella from 2014 to 2018, as well as Co-Director of English National Ballet School where she launched the ‘My First’ series of children’s ballets in partnership with English National Ballet. Previously, she spent ten years at Arts Council England, including seven years as Head of Dance for the London region.

Of her appointment, Anu Giri said: “I am delighted to be joining English National Ballet as Executive Director. With its pioneering approach to evolving the artform, ENB has always been a company I’ve greatly admired. It’s a real honour to be working alongside Artistic Director, Aaron Watkin, Chief Operating Officer, Grace Chan, and the Company’s experienced leadership team to ensure that ENB continues to open up ballet to audiences across the UK and around the world.”

Sir Rupert Gavin, Chair of English National Ballet added: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees I would like to say how delighted we are that Anu will be joining English National Ballet. We welcome her to the Company and have no doubt that her exceptional leadership and wealth of experience will ensure ENB continues to thrive long into the future.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing Executive Director, Patrick Harrison, for his tireless dedication and work towards making ENB the success it is today”

Anu’s appointment as Executive Director follows June’s announcement that Patrick Harrison will step down from the role in late 2024 to take up the position of CEO of The Royal Ballet School.