"As the company has grown," Wright said in a statement, "I have come increasingly to rely on David to manage the ongoing operations of the company so that I may concentrate on continuing to develop and implement the long-range artistic vision for Vancouver Opera and building the company's profile locally, regionally, and nationally. I am delighted that he has agreed to step into this enhanced role on a permanent basis."

Finance director Kelly Letford will become chief financial officer; Diane Speirs, a manager of education programs, will become director of education; director of artistic administration Randy Smith will have new artistic-planning responsibilities; communications manager Doug Tuck will become director of audience development and community programs.

Former principal conductor Jonathan Darlington had previously been elevated to music director.