Following the departure of former CEO Sarah Horner in early 2024, and a comprehensive company-wide consultation led by People Make It Work, Hijinx are delighted to announce that Ben Pettitt-Wade (Artistic Director) and Eloise Tong (Interim CEO) have been appointed as Artistic Director and Executive Director respectively, and will lead Hijinx together as Co-CEOs.
The company has grown significantly in recent years, and Hijinx feel a joint leadership model will strengthen the company for the future and ensure the artists and creative work are centred.
Ben joined Hijinx in 2007 and was responsible for setting up Academy (Hijinx’s professional actor training programme for learning disabled and/or autistic artists) and establishing Unity Festival (Hijinx’s international festival of inclusive and disability arts) before becoming Artistic Director in 2015. Ben has considerable experience in the sector and has cemented Hijinx as a national and international leader in high quality, inclusive performance. Hijinx are pleased to support him in his new role as Co-CEO.
I’m excited to take the next step in what has been a nineteen-year journey with Hijinx. It’s been a journey filled with joyous moments with our incredible artists, brilliant freelancers, dedicated staff team, trustees and loyal audiences, that has taken us to many incredible places, both physically and metaphorically. I’m proud of what we have achieved together and looking forward to what the next chapter will be, working with this amazing collection of people that make up Hijinx. – Ben Pettitt-Wade
Eloise was appointed as Interim CEO in July 2024 to support the company through this period of transition. Hijinx are delighted that she will continue on a permanent basis as Executive Director and Co-CEO.
I joined Hijinx during a period of change for the company. We have achieved a huge amount in the past year and are now in a more stable place. I am so excited to work alongside Ben and build on what we have started. Hijinx can and does change lives and my role is to create the conditions where our staff team, freelancers, actors and participants can thrive. – Eloise Tong
Chair of Hijinx’s Board of Trustees, Andrew Healy, comments:
With these appointments, Hijinx is very fortunate to have two such knowledgeable and experienced people to lead its work as one of the world’s most exciting inclusive theatre companies. Ben and Eloise clearly share our vision for a world in which learning disabled and/or autistic people are empowered, valued and have fair access to opportunities as artists and in every facet of life, and we are looking forward to what the future brings.
Ben and Eloise have already begun to review Hijinx’s structure and operating model, and some changes will be introduced to increase efficiency and safeguard Hijinx for years to come. The company are looking forward to another busy year in 2026 with a nation-wide tour of Meet Fred in celebration of the production’s 10th anniversary, and the return of Unity Festival.
