THE Canberra Symphony Orchestra Chief Executive Officer Henry Laska will retire at the end of December 2015.

The Chair of the CSO, Sir Angus Houston, says Henry has led the organisation since 2007 and had achieved a great deal during his term.

“Henry has led the CSO for nine years and it is with regret that he has informed me that he will retire at the end of this 2015 season,” Sir Angus said.

“Since Henry joined the CSO he has provided strong strategic leadership that has positioned the organisation for continued growth in the future. His commitment and dedication has steered the CSO into a position of financial stability and artistic excellence as the orchestra of the nation’s capital. He leaves a strong legacy of achievements which is greatly appreciated by the Board, the management team and the community which the Orchestra serves so proudly.

“Mr Laska will be missed by the orchestra, his colleagues and subscribers. The CSO wishes him every success in the future.”

CSO’s Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Dr Nicholas Milton expressed his gratitude and thanks to Henry Laska for the unwavering devotion and the strong leadership he has brought to the role.

“We’ve been incredibly lucky to have worked with Henry for almost a decade. His energy, enthusiasm and leadership have transformed the organisation and played a major part in positioning the orchestra as among Australia’s most successful,” Nicholas said.

Reflecting on his time with the CSO, Henry said his involvement had been a thoroughly rewarding and fulfilling one.

“I have had the privilege to work with Sir Angus Houston and a dedicated Board of Directors, and an exceptional and loyal management team. It has been an honour and a privilege to work closely with Nicholas Milton our inspiring Chief Conductor and Artistic Director,” he said.

“We have shared a strong partnership with an effective vision that has seen both the artistic and financial aspects of the organisation develop in a united way, each aware of what is required to develop the organisation in a viable and sustainable way for the future.

“I look forward to continuing my association with the CSO by joining the growing audience attending concerts and being a passionate advocate and supporter.”

Sir Angus also announced that, as part of the organisation’s succession plan, the Board was pleased to advise that Sarah Kimball will return to the CSO in the role of Deputy CEO and that she will take over as CEO in January 2016.

“As the former Corporate Partnerships, Marketing and Events Manager at the CSO for eight years, Sarah has extensive knowledge of the organisation and returns from Melbourne with a wealth of experience to provide the CSO with stability and strong leadership into the future,” Sir Angus said.