BSO Appoints Veteran Business Executive Jeffrey D. Dunn Interim President and CEO

The Board of Trustees of the Boston Symphony Orchestra today announced that Jeffrey D. Dunn, a current member of the BSO's Board of Advisors and the organization's Finance Committee, will serve as interim President and Chief Executive Officer, starting January 4, 2023.

Led by internationally acclaimed Music Director Andris Nelsons since 2014, the
BSO is one of the greatest orchestras in the world. The orchestra reaches millions
of listeners through concert performances in Symphony Hall in Boston and at
Tanglewood, and via streaming on BSO NOW, educational and community
programs, radio, television, recordings, and tours. The upcoming 2023–24 season
will mark Nelsons' 10th year as Music Director of the BSO. Dunn is an American
media executive who has spent his career leading other talent and mission-driven organizations through time periods of significant change, financial growth, and societal impact around the world.

"Jeff Dunn is a much-admired executive, recognized across industries for an innate ability to lead complex organizations with sound judgment and innovative ideas," said Barbara Hostetter, Chair, Board of Trustees, Boston Symphony Orchestra. "We especially hold immense respect for Jeff's experience in guiding organizations in times of change and are grateful to have him help us continue our forward momentum."

Before his retirement in 2021, Dunn served as Executive Chairman, President & CEO of Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization that produces Sesame Street, the most awarded and influential show in the history of television. Under Dunn's leadership, Sesame Workshop ended eight years of operating losses, won 38 Emmy awards, a George Foster Peabody Award, a Kennedy Center Honors award, and was named multiple times to Fast Company's most innovative companies list.

Dunn is a longtime resident of Boston's Back Bay, a graduate of both Harvard College and Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration, and a 30-year BSO subscriber.

"In these turbulent times, music is a universal language that lifts us up, connects us, and helps us all to feel more optimistic about our lives and the world," Dunn said. "The BSO is one of the world’s top cultural organizations known across the globe for its enduring contributions to music through its performances and educational programs, including the summer music academy at Tanglewood where the next generation of musicians can learn and hone their craft. I am honored to lend my executive experience to this incredible organization and look forward to collaborating with Music Director Andris Nelsons as the organization continues on its important path of cultural progress and financial stability."

Dunn succeeds Gail Samuel, who today announced that she is stepping down from the position. The Board of Trustees will discuss plans to begin a search for a permanent Eunice and Julian Cohen President and Chief Executive Officer at their January 2023 board meeting.