Chad Smith

Chad Smith has served as President and CEO of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 2023.

Previously, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a role held for four years, at which he worked in close partnership with Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel to establish and advance several of the most impactful orchestral programs of the 21st Century. During this tenure, Smith led the LA Phil’s artistic and business teams to propel record financial growth year-upon-year and invest in visionary programs to foster a culturally diverse talent pipeline and expand new audiences.

Smith began his career in 2000 at the New World Symphony, working closely with conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.  Smith is a trustee of the New England Conservatory, an advisory board member of the Music Academy of the West, and a member of the Executive Committee for the Avery Fisher Artist Program. He also served as Artistic Director for the 2020 Ojai Music Festival. Smith, 51, grew up in Pennsylvania, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in European History from Tufts University. He earned both Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Vocal Performance from the New England Conservatory.