Helen Dobson

Helen Dobson studied French with German at Durham University before training to be a chartered accountant with KPMG in Leeds. After four years in the audit department, industry beckoned and so began an international career visiting subsidiary companies in Paris and Verona for a large plastics manufacturer. 

A ‘gap’ year in India saw her working with the Tibetan Government in exile in the foothills of the Himalayas in a voluntary capacity, whilst her husband worked with trainee Tibetan dentists. Following a four-year stint with a quango to monitor the finances of grant-maintained schools (and having two children), Helen joined Opera North as Finance Director in 1999.

During the 19 years with Opera North (and third child), Helen enjoyed lots of drama on and off the stage and was introduced to the world of music in all guises. Having retired from the day job in 2018 and enjoying some extended travels, cut short by the global pandemic, Helen has joined the voluntary sector as Trustee to a number of charitable organisations and treasurer to her local church. She is delighted to join the Board of Trustees of the Ryedale Festival, renew old friendships and once again be immersed in the creative industries.