Gita Kadambi Proposed as Next General Director of Finnish National Opera and Ballet

The Board of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet has proposed Gita Kadambi to be appointed as the institution's new General Director. Kadambi's current position is the General Manager of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. The Board made the proposal in a meeting held on Thursday May the 4th. Before the final decision, the board will invite personnel groups to share their views on the matter.

Gita Kadambi (45) combines the expertise, vision and experience in leadership and the cultural field that the Board of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet requires from the General Director. The position entails the management and leadership of the entire organisation, with the Artistic Directors of the Opera and Ballet reporting directly to the General Director.

"Gita Kadambi has an extensive understanding of music, opera and ballet production, complemented by experience in managing both creative people and organisations. She knows the field of classical music very well both in Finland and internationally, and she has a broad network of contacts. She has proven skills in strategic leadership as well as digital service and customer experience development. Gita Kadambi is a target-oriented, highly responsible visionary who leads through open communication and listening," the Chair of the Board Leena Niemistö explains.

Kadambi has been the General Manager of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra since 2013. Earlier in her career she has worked as the HR Partner and Manager at the Finnish Broadcasting Company (Yle), as the Orchestra Manager for the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and in production and other roles at the Finnish National Opera and the Savonlinna Opera Festival. As well as an Executive MBA from Aalto University in Helsinki, she has completed a Master of Music degree at Sibelius Academy and a Master of Music Performance at London College of Music.

The recruitment for the position of General Director started in January, and a recruitment consultant was employed to complement the public application process. The nomination and remuneration committee of the Board processed a total of 45 applications. The names of the other applicants will not be published. Before making the final decision the Board will invite personnel groups to share their views on the matter according to established FNOB practice.

The new General Director is set to take up the post at the beginning of 2018, upon the retirement of current General Director Päivi Kärkkäinen.

The Chair of the Board, Leena Niemistö is available for comments about the proposal. Gita Kadambi, other members of the board or the current General Director will not be providing comments at this stage.

The Finnish National Opera and Ballet is an international-calibre opera and ballet company with a broad and varied repertoire. As a national arts institution, it serves the entire country: the Finnish National Opera is the only professional opera company in Finland, and the Finnish National Ballet is the only professional ballet company.
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Photo by Heikki Tuuli.

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