In this episode, I delve into the arts sector with Craig Whitehead, CEO of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) to learn more about the business and leadership of a large orchestra.
Craig’s love for the performing arts sector began at a young age, despite being brought up in a “sports-focused” family in Stafford. He went on to become a freelance actor in London, UK, and saw an opportunity to start a theatre education company.
After completing a Diploma in Business and an MBA in Business, Craig completed an Advanced Management Program at INSEAD, ‘The Business School For The World’ in 2015.
Over the years, Craig has served as General Manager of Queensland’s second largest theatre company, CEO for West Australia Opera and CEO of Western Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) - a position he held for 10 years.
Now, his work as CEO of QSO focuses on changing people’s perceptions of an orchestra and targeting new markets. QSO is the largest performing arts company in Queensland , with a turnover of around $22 million, 120 employees and a schedule of over 200 performances each year to audiences of more than 200,000.
Having variety as a musician - is it important or do more musicians tend to stick with an orchestra for life?