BSO President and CEO Gail Samuel steps down after less than two years on the job

The Boston Symphony Orchestra’s President and CEO Gail Samuel will be stepping down on Jan. 3, just a year and a half after joining the organization in June 2021.

"Gail came to the BSO as we were beginning to chart a critical course through the very consequential effects of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Barbara Hostetter, chair of the BSO's board of trustees, in a press release. "At a time when stabilizing the institution was of paramount priority, Gail was a steadying force. She also led the BSO through a vital turning point of generational change, setting in motion a creative vision that reflects the BSO's commitment to diversity. As a result of her expertise, broad lens and hard work, the BSO is well positioned to continue with this important progress. On behalf of the board of trustees, I express my gratitude to Gail and our entire executive team."

The BSO also announced that Jeffrey D. Dunn would serve as interim president and CEO starting Jan. 4. Dunn is currently a member of the BSO’s board of advisors and finance committee. Before he retired in 2021, Dunn served as the CEO of Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit that produces “Sesame Street.”

The BSO declined to make either Samuel or Dunn available for an interview.

Much was made of the fact that Samuel would become the BSO’s first female president in history when her appointment was announced in February 2021. She made the transition from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where she served in senior leadership for 25 years.

Samuel joined the BSO at a difficult time for the orchestra, less than a year after it laid off 50 of its 180 administrative staff, citing $35 million in lost revenue. (Samuel later said the BSO lost $50 million over the course of the pandemic.) She oversaw the return of in-person concerts at Symphony Hall and Tanglewood after pandemic closures. She also had a mandate to bring more diversity to both the stage and audience.

“After navigating the profoundly complicated re-opening matters and having successfully laid the groundwork for continued evolution at the BSO, I have decided to step down,” Samuel said in a statement. “The end of the season and Holiday Pops performances offer a natural time with limited disruption. I hold great pride in all that was accomplished during such a challenging time for the arts and culture sector. I am confident that the work I have done and the tools we put in place will enable future growth and diversity and enrich the BSO's rich legacy of artistry.”