For the primary time in its 82-year historical past, a Black girl is serving because the CEO of the celebrated American Ballet Theatre.
Starting January 3, 2022, Janet Rollé would be the new CEO and govt director of the American Ballet Theatre, CNN reported. After working as the final supervisor of Beyoncé’s Parkwood Leisure for 5 years, Rollé is breaking a serious glass ceiling at one of many nation’s most revered ballet firms.
Andrew Barth, chairman of the board of governing trustees at American Ballet Theatre introduced Rollé’s new place final Tuesday. Whereas recalling the muse of her dance profession, Rollé credited her mom, an immigrant from Jamaica, for taking her to bop class on the age of eight.
“By dance, I discovered how you can be knowledgeable, the worth of self-discipline and approach, and my love for the artistic course of,” she mentioned in an announcement. “These classes have all the time been on the core of my skilled life and work.”
“It’s subsequently a singular privilege to be entrusted by the Board to protect and prolong the legacy of American Ballet Theatre, and to make sure its future prosperity, cultural impression, and relevance,” she continued. “To come back full circle and be ready to present again to the artwork that has given me a lot is a supply of unbridled and immense pleasure.”
Along with her work at Parkwood, Rollé served as govt vice chairman and chief advertising officer at CNN Worldwide. She was the primary govt vice chairman and chief advertising officer of BET Networks and served in senior positions at AOL, MTV Networks, and HBO. She at present serves on the board of administrators for BuzzFeed, Inc. and Hallmark Playing cards, Inc and was beforehand a presidential appointee and member of the nominating committee of the US Tennis Affiliation.
Rollé’s new function at ABT follows criticism in opposition to the corporate over time for its lack of inclusion and variety. Misty Copeland, the primary Black girl principal dancer for the ABT, has spoken out in opposition to the absence of ladies of coloration inside the group. It’s one thing Andrew Barth is hopeful Rollé will assist flip round.
“After an intensive search, Janet emerged as the best chief to usher in ABT’s subsequent chapter,” Barth mentioned. “Her intensive expertise as a enterprise chief and advertising strategist, mixed along with her life-long ardour for dance, completely positions her to guide our group.”
“She is brimming with concepts to guide ABT into the following decade, all whereas respecting Ballet Theatre’s historical past and legacy,” he continued. “I’m assured that Janet’s completed background in enterprise operations and growth, strategic partnerships, and model administration might be an incredible asset.”
