Heifetz Institute head to retire after summer concert season

Benjamin K. Roe will retire as president and CEO on Sept. 30 and will become president emeritus, and the Heifetz Board will launch a national search for his successor.

Benjamin K. Roe, president and CEO of the Heifetz International Music Institute, announced he will retire on Sept. 30 at the close of the Institute's 30th anniversary summer season. He has led the organization for 12 years. After stepping down he will assume the title of president emeritus and remain involved to support strategic initiatives and the leadership transition. The Board of Directors said it will begin a national search for the next leader. Key details: - Roe's retirement date is Sept. 30, at the end of the Institute's milestone 30th anniversary season. - Upon leaving the CEO role, Roe will become president emeritus and continue to support the Institute's mission and transition. - Roe served as president and CEO since 2014 and worked closely with founder Daniel Heifetz and Artistic Director Nicholas Kitchen. - Under Roe's tenure the Institute expanded scholarship support, launched a Junior Division and a Chamber Music Seminar, and grew its summer season to more than 50 concerts. - Roe led the Institute's move to a fully online format during the pandemic and helped build its media presence, including livestreams and a YouTube channel with millions of views. - The Heifetz Board said it will conduct a national search for the Institute's next leader in the coming months. Summary: Roe's departure concludes a 12-year period marked by organizational growth, program expansion, and increased media reach. The Board will launch a national search for his successor while Roe serves as president emeritus to support a thoughtful transition.