Michael Browne Retires

On the 4th May 2006 senior figures from the ISTD gathered with committee members, guests and staff to bid farewell to our Chief Executive of the last 17 years, Michael Browne.

Even the sun made an appearance for this special occasion, and the light airy studios of ISTD2 provided a lovely bright setting. Guests mingled over champagne and canapés, and it was wonderful to see so many people in attendance.

Of course, we couldn’t let Michael leave without a few words from both Faculties wishing him the best of luck and praising him for his achievements over the years. Both Robert Grover, Chairman of the ISTD, and Patricia Prime, Vice Chairman of the ISTD, took the opportunity to remind everyone present of Michael’s part in making the ISTD the success it is today, and he was presented with retirement gifts on behalf of both Faculties.

Following calls from everyone present for a speech, Michael then took to the floor and addressed those assembled, talking about how much he had enjoyed his career at the ISTD, helping the Society to expand and playing his part in developments such as the new ISTD studios, in which we were standing at the time. He thanked everyone for their support and hard work over the years, and said that he would miss working in such a challenging and rewarding organisation.

Another gift for Michael was to come in the form of a huge chocolate cake! This was presented at the Birthday/Retirement celebrations on the 2nd June, his final day at work, although staff were delighted to find that Michael was very generous with sharing his cake! The ISTD HQ staff also presented him with a detailed photo album comprising of articles from DANCE and photographs taken over the last 17 years, spanning his entire career with the Society.

As announced in the last issue, Jon Singleton, the former Head of Marketing and Publicity has been appointed as the new Chief Executive and you can read more about Jon in the near future.

On behalf of everyone within and associated with the ISTD, we thank Michael again for all he has done, and wish him a happy and relaxing retirement.

Michael Browne with Life President Dame Beryl Grey, at his retirement party	Michael's delicious chocolate retirement/60th birthday cake.