West Kowloon arts hub CEO Michael Lynch resigns citing personal reasons
Australian to leave his post in August, saying he needs to spend more time with seriously ill wife
West Kowloon Cultural District Authority CEO Michael Lynch will step down in August for personal reasons, triggering a search for his successor at the arts hub.
Lynch, who renewed his contract last July and had been expected to stay until the middle of next year, said his wife, well-known arts administrator Chrissy Sharp, was seriously ill and added that his age had also been a factor in his surprise decision.
"It's a sad day for me," the veteran arts administrator said yesterday, his voice wavering as he tried to hold back his tears.
"It's been a tough year for me. My wife is seriously ill … I've dragged her around the world for 12 years ... I need to spend more time with her, my children and my family."
Lynch said he was "going with great regret" and added that at 64 years old it was time for retirement, despite earning more than HK$6 million a year. He tendered his six-month notice to the board of the authority and will leave his job on August 3.
A board member said Lynch was in tears when he told the board of his decision.
