June 14, 2023
Janet Rollé to Resign as CEO & Executive Director of American Ballet Theatre
NEW YORK, NY – Janet Rollé, CEO & Executive Director at American Ballet Theatre, resigned from her role, effective immediately. As part of the transition, Rollé will continue to serve as a Strategic Advisor to the Chair of the Board while the Board of Trustees initiates a search for her successor.
Rollé brought to ABT a unique combination of business acumen, understanding of our art form, and creativity that we will continue to benefit from. Under her leadership, ABT successfully emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic. Rollé made a significant impact on the Company’s strategic planning partnerships, operations and marketing, and her work elevated ABT’s cultural impact and relevance while staying true to its legacy.
“Janet joined ABT at a critical time, and we are appreciative of her leadership and contributions,” said Andrew Barth, Chairman of ABT’s Board of Governing Trustees. “We thank her for her continued counsel during this transition period and wish her the very best.”
“It has been a privilege to lead such a storied Company during such a crucial period of time, and I am grateful for this experience,” said Rollé. “I would like to extend my sincerest best wishes to ABT as they embark on this new chapter and as I turn more of my focus to my service as Board Director at BuzzFeed, Inc. and Hallmark Cards, Inc. and to my role as Presidential Appointee at the United States Tennis Association (USTA).”
Until a successor is appointed, Artistic Director Susan Jaffe, in partnership with ABT’s senior leadership, will assume the role of interim Executive Director in addition to her artistic leadership.
“I am humbled by the Board’s confidence in me and excited to lead ABT during this transition,” said Jaffe. “This is a special time for ABT, and I am very much looking forward to kicking off our Met season with the New York Premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s Like Water for Chocolate.”
American Ballet Theatre returns to the Metropolitan Opera House for its 2023 Summer season from
June 22-July 22.
ABOUT AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE
American Ballet Theatre is one of the greatest dance companies in the world. Revered as a national treasure since its founding season in 1940, its mission is to create, present, preserve, and extend the great repertoire of classical dancing for the widest possible audience. Headquartered in New York City, ABT is the only cultural institution of its size and stature to extensively tour, enchanting audiences for eight decades in 50 U.S. states, 45 countries, and over 480 cities worldwide. ABT’s repertoire includes full-length classics from the nineteenth century, the finest works from the early twentieth century, and acclaimed contemporary masterpieces. In 2006, by an act of Congress, ABT was designated America’s National Ballet Company®.