Simon Woods

President and CEO, League of American Orchestras

Speaking at Opening Session and Gold Baton Award and The AI Disruption is Here!

Simon Woods brings more than 30 years of experience working with orchestras to his leadership role as President and CEO of the League of American Orchestras.

Deeply committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, to the role of arts organizations in community, and to nurturing the next generation of arts leaders, Woods is known throughout the sector as a highly trusted mentor and advisor to orchestra management professionals. For two decades he has contributed to the League of American Orchestras’ professional development programs, including acting as Director of the League’s signature immersive training program, Essentials of Orchestra Management.

Woods' thought leadership includes regular columns about the future of orchestras in Symphony and Medium, as well as lectures and speaking engagements at conferences and orchestra board rooms around the country.

Prior to joining the League in 2020, Woods served as CEO of the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 2017 to 2019; as Interim Executive Director of the Grand Teton Music Festival in 2020; and as President & CEO of the Seattle Symphony for seven years beginning in 2011. From 2005 to 2011, he was Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Earlier positions included President & CEO of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra as well as Artistic Administrator and later Vice President of Artistic Planning & Operations at The Philadelphia Orchestra.

From the late 1980s to the late 1990s, Woods worked as a record producer at EMI Classics in London, where he produced recordings at Abbey Road Studios and on location with many of the world’s foremost classical artists, ensembles, and orchestras.

Born in London, England, Woods earned a degree in music from Cambridge University and a diploma in conducting from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He currently serves on the boards of Astral Artists and the Performing Arts Alliance.

 Simon Woods and his wife, Karin Brookes, were honored to become American citizens in 2018.