Cathy Beck, Chair of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors has announce that Mark Williams has been appointed the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Williams, who will begin as CEO in April 2022, is a senior leader in the orchestra sector, having held positions at the San Francisco Symphony and IMG Artists New York. He is currently Chief Artistic and Operations Officer at The Cleveland Orchestra and oversees all aspects of artistic planning and programming, touring, and orchestra operations.

Speaking about the appointment Beck said, “The TSO Board of Directors is very pleased and excited to welcome Mark to lead the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Mark’s strategic acuity, in-depth producing and programming skills, and bold, creative thinking shone through during a very extensive international search. This is an exciting time in the TSO’s history—Music Director Gustavo Gimeno began his leadership with an exhilarating season opener in November and we are on the cusp of celebrating our 100th anniversary. Mark will build on our momentum and bring his extensive leadership skills to steer the TSO towards even more successes.”

Williams also noted, “From the first meeting with the orchestra, board, and staff members of the search committee, I felt palpable chemistry and knew that leading this incredible organization would be an extraordinary opportunity. This is an orchestra with immense musical gifts, big ambitions, limitless energy, and a desire to connect with its community through music. I look forward to forging deep and long-lasting relationships with Torontonians, and getting to know the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s dedicated patrons, subscribers, and donors. I have been privileged to work with Gustavo Gimeno for many years as a guest conductor at The Cleveland Orchestra, and I feel confident that our strong partnership will achieve his artistic vision for Toronto’s great orchestra. My husband Joseph and I are eager to call Toronto, one of the world’s greatest cities, home.”

Williams has been responsible for producing acclaimed productions of Janáček’s “The Cunning Little Vixen,” Debussy’s “Pelléas and Mélisande,” and a double bill of Bartók’s “The Miraculous Mandarin” and “Bluebeard’s Castle” with the Cleveland Orchestra. He has also worked with such artists as Renée Fleming, Nina Stemme, Murray Perahia, Maria João Pires, and Michael Tilson Thomas.