“Mark C. Hanson, the CEO of the San Francisco Symphony since 2017, will step down from the position Aug. 31,” reports Joshua Kosman in Thursday’s (7/15) San Francisco Chronicle. “In an announcement made by the orchestra on Thursday, July 15, Hanson gave no specific reason for the decision…. He said in a written statement, ‘With the San Francisco Symphony now back up and performing as a full ensemble for live audiences following our successful pandemic pivots, I have decided that this is the right time to pursue my next professional opportunity within a different environment.’ Hanson did not return a phone message seeking comment. A statement by Symphony President Priscilla Geeslin said, ‘The Board fully understands Mark’s decision and thanks him for his steadfast work with appreciation for the experience, commitment and passion with which he led the San Francisco Symphony….’ In a brief telephone interview, Geeslin … said the board would swing into action ‘immediately’ to begin the search for Hanson’s successor…. Matthew Spivey, the orchestra’s chief programming officer, has been appointed interim CEO. Hanson, 47, came to San Francisco after a visibly successful seven-year stint with the Houston Symphony.”
Change font size
