“The Detroit Symphony Orchestra on Monday moved up the timeline for its new president to take the helm, naming Erik Rönmark its new president and CEO effective immediately and moving Anne Parsons to an emeritus role,” writes Maureen Feighan in Monday’s (12/20) Detroit News. “Earlier this month, the DSO announced that Rönmark, 44, would succeed Parsons, 64, starting in early March 2022. But as Parsons continues to battle lung cancer, Parsons spoke to the DSO’s Board of Directors about moving up the timeline so she can focus on her health. ‘Anne’s leadership has put the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in a position of artistic, financial, and organizational strength, and we are so grateful to her,’ said Rönmark in a press release…. Parsons has been with the DSO since 2004, steering it through a series of challenges including Detroit’s bankruptcy, the Great Recession, a bitter musicians’ strike and now COVID-19. Earlier this year, she announced her plans to retire.… Rönmark has been with the DSO for 16 years, most recently as vice president and general manager. Parsons said she was thrilled with the board’s decision to choose Rönmark as her successor, calling him ‘the right person’ for the job.”
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