The Handel and Haydn Society is set to have a new leader at the helm for the first time in nearly a decade as it was announced that President and CEO David Snead is set to retire.

Snead was named by Musical America as one of the Top 30 Professionals of the Year back in 2021, a distinction to go along with a 46-year career in the performing arts and leadership roles with the Pittsburgh Symphony, Guthrie Theater, Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, and Hartford Symphony.

“It has been one of the highest honors of my life, personally and professionally, to serve as CEO of H+H. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the musicians, the staff, the Board, our generous donors and the wonderful H+H audience. I also applaud the superb artistic directors with whom I have been privileged to work, Harry Christophers and now Jonathan Cohen. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served the Handel and Haydn Society. I look forward to seeing what happens next at this remarkable institution.”

He came to the company following a 14-year stint at the New York Philharmonic as vice president of marketing, brand, and customer service.

Snead’s retirement will take effect at the close of the 2024-25 season and he will work with the Board to transition to the next phase as the organization seeks out his successor. In the meantime, board member and previous president, Robert H. Scott, will serve as Acting President, and COO Lilee Dethchan-Beltran will serve as Acting CEO.

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