Philip J. Smith and Robert E. Wankel Named New Heads of Shubert Organization

The New York Times is reporting that Philip J. Smith was named today the chairman of both the Shubert Organization and Foundation, a position many consider to the most powerful of all in the theatrical world.

Mr. Smith, 77, the organization's president for the past dozen years, is taking over the same job that his longtime friend and mentor, Gerald Schoenfeld held during his long tenure with the Shuberts.

The paper also reports that Robert E. Wankel, was named co-chief executive officer along with Mr. Smith and president. Mr. Wankel, who will turn 62 on Friday, was also elected to the board of directors.

Michael I. Sovern, President of The Shubert Foundation said in a statement following the meeting today, "While Jerry Schoenfeld is not replaceable, we are confident that these new appointments will ensure the critical role of The Shubert Foundation in supporting nonprofit performing arts in America and the continued successes of the Shubert Organization in the professional theatre."

The new heads will be in charge of the organization's 17 Broadway theatres, $300 mill foundation and more.

PHILIP J. SMITH

Chairman and Co-Chief Executive of The Shubert Organization

Philip J. Smith served as President of The Shubert Organization from 1996 to 2008. He began his career as a box office treasurer. During his steady rise to Vice President and Executive Vice President, Mr. Smith worked closely with the late Bernard B. Jacobs, President, and the late Gerald Schoenfeld, Chairman, in the selection of the shows produced and booked at Shubert theatres.

Mr. Smith sits on the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors and on the Tony Awards Administration Committee of the Broadway League. He is an active Board member for two of the theatre's favorite charitable institutions, The Actors' Fund and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Mr. Smith also currently serves as the 1st Vice President of The Actors' Fund. He is a member of the Knights of Malta and the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Robert E. Wankel

President and Co-Chief Executive of The Shubert Organization

Robert E. Wankel served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of The Shubert Organization, Inc. and Chief Financial Officer of The Shubert Foundation, Inc. He has been with the Shuberts for more than 33 years. Mr. Wankel has been involved in the overall management of the organization with responsibilities for the financial operations, commercial real estate, Shubert Ticketing Services and Tele-charge.com.

Mr. Wankel is a member of the Executive Committees and Board of Governors of The Broadway League and the Times Square Alliance. In addition, he is Chairman Emeritus and Trustee of the Board of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as an Officer and Director of The Actors Studio.

Mr. Wankel is a graduate of St. John's University and spent several years with a national accounting firm before joining The Shubert Organization.

Gerald Schoenfeld, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of The Shubert Organization, Inc., a theatre organization engaged in the ownership and operation of legitimate theatres in New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C. died suddenly at his home in Manhattan on Tuesday, November 25.

A vibrant and vital figure on Broadway for more than five decades, Mr. Schoenfeld had served as Chairman of The Shubert Organization since 1972. The Shubert Organization has been an essential factor in the production of such distinguished theatrical attractions as INDISCRETIONS, DIRTY BLONDE, PASSION, THE HEIDI CHRONICLES, AMADEUS, NICHOLAS NICKLEBY, CATS, Jerome Robbins' BROADWAY, DANCIN', AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', DREAMGIRLS, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, SKYLIGHT, CLOSER, THE BLUE ROOM, AMY'S VIEW, DANCE OF DEATH, last season's PASSING STRANGE and the current Broadway revival of EQUUS.

During his tenure, Mr. Schoenfeld committed the Organization to a vigorous participation in community and civic affairs and was a leader in the successful effort to revitalize and enhance the image of Times Square and Midtown. The Organization is also actively engaged in supporting the Board of Education of the City of New York in the reintroduction of art and culture K through 12 in the city's public schools. Mr. Schoenfeld served as Chairman of the Mayor's Midtown Citizens Committee.

Born in New York City on September 22, 1924, Mr. Schoenfeld attended DeWitt Clinton High School in The Bronx. He received his B.S. from the University of Illinois and L.L.B. from NYU School of Law. A member of the Columbia University School of the Arts faculty and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, in 1999 he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from the City University of New York (CUNY), and in 2001 received a Doctor of Humane Letters from Emerson College.

In a statement, The Shubert Organization said, "Jerry's passing is an enormous loss to The Shubert Organization and to the theatre community. His love and passion for the theatre represented a major contribution in the revival of the Broadway theatre."