Richard Wakely, the managing director of the National Theatre, is to vacate his position after more than three years in the job, writes Ian Kilroy. Wakely, who is leaving to pursue a career as an independent theatre producer and consultant, was appointed in 1998, during Patrick Mason's tenure as artistic director.

Wakely has been central to major decisions regarding the future of the Abbey, the most notable of which is the plan to redevelop the theatre in a radical rebuilding project.

Sightings at the theatre of the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, for the opening on Tuesday of the Tom Murphy season have prompted speculation that an announcement about the building - and its future location - is imminent. Wakely confirms that one will be made "in the near future".

A native of Belfast, Wakely came to the Abbey from the Hampstead Theatre, in London, where he was general manager for nine years. That he has chosen to leave when so many of his projects are still in train will prompt questions about his relationship with the Abbey board and with Ben Barnes, the theatre's current artistic director.

Wakely is full of praise, however. "It's been a delight to work with all the people in this organisation . . . and both Patrick and Ben have had their successes. Patrick did the theatre a wonderful service and helped to redefine it . . . Ben has taken that on in a way personal to himself."

He is keen to put his departure in a different context. "I've done what I feel I can do at the Abbey," he says. "I've been working for 22 years for other people; it's time for me to go out on my own." He says he is proud of his legacy at the Abbey, whose earned income has risen in each year of his tenure. Wakely, who will continue to be based in Dublin, will vacate his post in six months' time.