Simon Woods

President and CEO, League of American Orchestras

Speaking at Opening Session, Gold Baton Award, and Keynote and Closing Luncheon: Home, Freedom, and Belonging with Kinan Azmeh

Simon Woods brings four decades of experience in the classical music world to his leadership role as President and CEO of the League of American Orchestras.

With a deep music background and a commitment to the inspirational role arts organizations play in community and public life, Woods is known as a highly trusted mentor and advisor to orchestras and those who work within them. For more than twenty years he has contributed to the League of American Orchestras’ professional development programs, including acting as Director of the League’s signature immersive leadership program, Essentials of Orchestra Management.

Woods' thought leadership includes regular articles about the leadership of orchestras, as well as frequent speaking engagements in the US and abroad.

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 board of the Performing Arts Alliance.

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