WASO Leadership Update

Mark Coughlan has for personal reasons decided to tender his resignation as WASO Chief Executive, effective immediately.

WASO Chair Richard Goyder recognised Mark’s contribution to WASO.

“The Board and I would like to thank Mark for his significant contribution to WASO, both over the last 17 months as Chief Executive and as a Board member over the preceding nine years. Mark is passionate about WASO and we wish him all the best for the future.”

Paul Shannon, WASO Board member of six years, who is currently leading our business resilience team in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, will act as interim CEO.

Paul has extensive managerial and executive experience, working primarily in financial and commercial roles. He was most recently a senior executive at Rio Tinto, including eight years as Chief Financial Officer of Rio Tinto Iron Ore.

Due to the restrictions in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, we are currently experiencing considerable disruption to WASO’s activities. The Board is focussed on ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all employees as our absolute priority.

WASO’s Board, staff and management are committed to letting the music play on. Our operations rely on the financial support and generosity of the community and we would like to thank the Federal and West Australian Governments, our corporate partners and our valued patrons for their continuing support. We are confident that WASO will return to the stage stronger than ever, bringing joy to West Australians through music.