International artist management agency Intermusica has announced the appointment of Deborah Borda as its Non-Executive Chair from January 2024.

Borda is renowned for her visionary leadership and innovative approach to revitalizing orchestras in the 21st century. She is the former President and CEO of both the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic

In her new position, Borda will not be involved in the day-to-day management of the company but the role will be integral to the setting of the company’s vision and goals, and will provide strategic guidance to the Board of Directors.

Borda succeeds incumbent Chair, Martijn Sanders, who retires from the board after 16 years of service to become Intermusica’s first Honorary President.

In a statement Founder and Chief Executive of Intermusica Stephen Lumsden said, “When my dear friend and trusted advisor Martijn Sanders expressed his wishes to retire from the board, there was only one person in my mind who could live up to his exceptional legacy, Deborah Borda. Deborah is a legend in the industry, a tour de force, an expert strategist, and a pioneering cultural leader whose record of achievement in transforming American symphony orchestras and concert halls is second to none. She also shares our view of the artistic and creative imperative that underpins everything to which we aspire. We are incredibly excited to welcome Deborah, and look forward to incorporating her insights into our ambitious forward plans.”

He added, “I personally want to thank Martijn Sanders for his longstanding commitment to Intermusica and his sage advice and support, which helped bring the company through the hardest of times during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, as we have returned to a position of strength, innovation, and leadership in the sector. We are all delighted that Martijn will remain a part of our family in his new role as Honorary President.”

Borda added, “As Non-Executive Chair, I will be supporting another dimension of performing arts: the next generation of artists and arts leaders. Throughout my career, I have seen how vital strong management is in developing an artist’s early career—and, by extension, their future. Intermusica is already highly regarded as one of the best agencies in the industry. Together, we will make it a destination for the artists who will shape the future of our community—and the managers who inspire them.”