 Gilbert died in 1911, and Helen Carte died two years later.The opera company was inherited by her stepson, Rupert D'Oyly Carte, who, according to a 2014 biographical sketch of Gordon, needed a stage manager who would maintain the company's production standards and preserve Gilbert's traditions and style.Gordon's skills, attention to detail and tenacity, together with his experience with the company under Gilbert's direction, were what Carte required.