What does it take to be a great leader? The Philadelphia Business Journal says the best “rise to the challenge,” and there has been no lack of challenges over the last year for the executives running organizations across the Philadelphia region. With nearly 100 nominations, the annual Most Admired CEO Award is bestowed upon leaders representing the broad industries Philadelphia supports including health care, business, engineering, technology, and arts & culture.
We are proud to have President & CEO, Matías Tarnopolsky, included on this year’s list of honorees. Matías not only led The Philadelphia Orchestra through the COVID-19 shutdown that halted live performances around the world, but spearheaded innovation by shifting the Orchestra’s work to the Digital Stage. Now a thriving collection of online performances, the Digital Stage kept audiences engaged with music when it was needed most.
Now transitioning back to in-person performances, Matias has taken on yet another incredible task by being the first President & CEO of the newly formed The Philadelphia Orchestra & Kimmel Center, Inc. This partnership of two iconic Philadelphia arts institutions was years-in-the-making, guided flawlessly by Tarnopolsky and former Kimmel President & CEO Anne Ewers, and we are all taking our first steps into a new chapter together.
As he steps into this new role, we want to offer a moment for you to get to know Matías! See below for a snapshot of Matías and his answers to 9 questions reflecting on his time as a CEO.
Name: Matías Tarnopolsky
Phonetic Pronunciation of Name: Ma-TEE-Us TARN-Uh-POL-Skee
Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Years as CEO: 12
Number of languages he speaks: 3 -- fluent in English and Spanish; OK in French
Career Background:
- Present -- President and CEO, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc.
- 2018 – 2021 -- President and CEO, The Philadelphia Orchestra Association
- 2009 – 2018 -- Executive and Artistic Director, Cal Performances, University of California Berkeley
- 2006 – 2009 -- Vice President for Artistic Planning, New York Philharmonic
- 1999 – 2006 – Senior Director of Artistic Planning, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
- 1994 – 1999 – Producer, BBC Symphony Orchestra & BBC Singers and BBC Radio 3; assistant editor, BBC Proms
What’s something you as a CEO do to build high-level trust within your organization?
Listening always, and prioritizing people always, are paramount.
Has your leadership style changed as a result of the pandemic? If so, in what ways?
Focus and energy. The pandemic, amid all the fear and tragedy, brought an incredible focus to our organization, and a sense of urgency and of purpose. The Philadelphia Orchestra kept music alive at a time when the world needed us more than ever before.
When faced with a tough business decision, I …
Ask myself what is the right thing to do. Does this outcome align with our values?
What’s been a distinguishing moment in your time as CEO so far?
In October we reached a profound milestone in the cultural life of Philadelphia as the Boards of Directors of both The Kimmel Center, Inc. and The Philadelphia Orchestra voted unanimously to create a historic partnership, creating The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. It is exciting and a deep honor to chart a new path, as together we create an ever brighter, more inclusive, innovative cultural future for Philadelphia.
What’s a guiding philosophy or mantra you lead by?
More art is always the answer. The arts can give voice to thoughts and ideas that words alone cannot. Our response to the challenges of 2020 and 2021 focused on greater connection with our audiences and greater collaborations with our communities. Connection and collaboration are fundamental to the performing arts.
What’s the most powerful tool in a CEO’s arsenal?
Listen with purpose to what's happening around you; know what the environment is telling you; trust your colleagues; have confidence in your ideas; and help shape the environment for the better.
Who is a business leader you admire and why?
Martha Gilmer, president and CEO of the San Diego Symphony, for believing in people, for always leading with heart, and for setting the example by transforming the San Diego Symphony with energy, tenacity, and kindness.
My mother-in-law Barbel Green, who ran a neighborhood jewelry store for decades with a total focus on customers and on ensuring she always had beautiful products at every price point. She set a tremendous example for me.
What’s something you do for fun?
Attend performances; play tennis.
What’s your outlook on 2022?
We are reinventing and recreating a post-pandemic world of the performing arts. The arts are an engine for growth and transformation in our communities. We need to ensure that we are putting on inspiring programs of excellent quality that engage our audiences. It’s at once a challenge and an enormous, exciting opportunity. We embrace it wholeheartedly.
All honorees of this year’s Most Admired CEO Award will be recognized during a live event on December 9, followed by a special print edition of the paper on December 10. Learn more at Philadelphia Business Journal.