Craig Whitehead has been appointed as the new CEO of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Following the surprise resignation of Emma Dunch in December 2021, Whitehead was brought in as an interim CEO. The Board has now announced that he will take up the position on a permanent basis, effective immediately.

Craig Whitehead

Craig Whitehead takes over as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s CEO immediately, following the resignation of Emma Dunch.

Whitehead is well equipped to take on the role. He was CEO of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra from 2019 to 2021 and, prior to that, CEO of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra from 2008 to 2018. His previous roles include Chief Executive of West Australian Opera and General Manager of Brisbane’s La Boite Theatre.

Announcing the appointment, Geoff Wilson, Chairman of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, described Whitehead as “a leader of note in the cultural sector with a depth of experience shared by few others. His achievements as CEO of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra drove that Orchestra to deeper levels of community engagement and success.”

During his time as interim CEO, Whitehead has overseen the SSO’s return to the newly refurbished...