Ann Simonds Named Interim President/CEO of Hennepin Theatre Trust

The Hennepin Theatre Trust Board of Directors announces today that Ann Simonds, incoming board chair, will serve as interim president and CEO of Hennepin Theatre Trust.

Tom Hoch, founding president and CEO, is stepping down after more than two decades of leadership at the Trust. He announced his departure in October 2016. At that time, he planned to stay through mid-2017 and has since decided to step down earlier to explore other opportunities. His last day will be February 3, 2017.

"We are honored to have had Tom's leadership and dedication, and though we will miss him, we fully respect and support his desire to pursue other opportunities," said Scott Benson, current board chair of the Trust.

"We also are fortunate to have Ann Simonds serve in the interim, ensuring continuity for the organization as we continue the search for a new president and CEO," Benson said. "She cares deeply about the organization and will ensure a smooth leadership transition."

Simonds has been a Trust board member since 2011. In December, she retired from General Mills after 21 years where she served as President of several divisions and most recently as Chief Marketing Officer. She was responsible for the company's world-class marketing organization. Her career has spanned a range of work - leading strategic philanthropy programs such as the Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories literacy program, Stirring up Wishes for the Make A Wish Foundation and Box Tops for Education. In addition to the Trust board, Simonds serves as a director on the Brand Lab, Ad Council and HB Fuller boards.

Simonds' career passion has always been about finding ways to meaningfully understand people with curiosity and creativity to really deliver.

Prior to General Mills, Simonds spent five years as a marketer for Johnson & Johnson in the U.S. and Europe. She holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Smith College and has an MBA from Harvard. She will start serving as interim president and CEO of the Trust on February 6.

"I am thankful to serve the Trust as its interim leader," Simonds said. "As a board member, I deeply admire all that Tom has done for this organization and the larger community, and I will carry on his devotion and passion for the Trust's mission.

"Tom has assembled an extraordinary team at the Trust, and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve alongside them."

The board of directors has partnered with Schall Executive Search, a boutique firm based in downtown Minneapolis, to find the Trust's new president and CEO. A successor is expected to be announced mid-2017.

Hoch's footprint in Minneapolis continues to be experienced by anyone visiting downtown Minneapolis. It is visible in the Trust's three historic theatres - the Orpheum, State and Pantages - that light up Hennepin Avenue at night with their marquees; the five-story kaleidoscopic mural of Bob Dylan that has become an iconic urban visual; and the soon-to-be new home for the Trust at 900 Hennepin, formerly known as the Solera restaurant.

The Trust will continue to realize Hoch's vision for a vibrant arts and cultural district connected by Hennepin Avenue, known today as WeDo - the West Downtown MPLS Cultural District.

"I'm grateful for the board and Ann's leadership, and their commitment to the Trust," Hoch said. "It's important to them and me that we have a smooth transition of leadership for the organization.

"I am most thankful for the talented staff members who bring the Trust's mission to life every day, and I will miss their passion and drive."

Hoch is currently serving as board chair of the Minneapolis Downtown Council / Downtown Improvement District and participates in several other nonprofit initiatives. He recently ended his term as board chair of the Animal Humane Society.

Hennepin Theatre Trust is a nonprofit organization that creates positive change through the arts by bringing together people, businesses and organizations in WeDo, the West Downtown MPLS Cultural District. We serve the community through our four theatres - the Orpheum, State, Pantages and New Century - and our unique arts, culture and education programs. Learn more at HennepinTheatreTrust.org and wedompls.org.