Ken Novice steps down as managing director of Geffen Playhouse

Kenneth Novice has departed the Geffen Playhouse after serving as its managing director for more than five years, the company has announced.

The Geffen said that Gil Cates Jr., who serves as vice chairman of the Geffen’s board of directors, is stepping in as interim managing director.

Novice joined the Geffen in 2009 after having worked as managing director at the Pasadena Playhouse and as marketing and public relations director at the Old Globe in San Diego. At the Geffen, he succeeded Stephen Eich, who stepped down in 2008 after eight years as managing director of the company.

Reached by phone, Novice declined to elaborate on his departure from the Geffen. The company, which announced Novice’s departure late Friday, also declined to provide additional detail.

In a press release, Geffen board co-chairs Martha Henderson and Pamela Robinson Hollander said that “we appreciate Ken’s expertise and efforts during his time at the Geffen and wish him much success in his future endeavors.”

The Geffen, founded by the late Gil Cates, produces new and classic stage plays and musicals at its home in Westwood.

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