New Model and Leadership for the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC)

The World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) announces a new operational and governance model and appoints seven new board members, including a new president, and a new CEO. Below is the full press release distributed by WFIMC on June 2, 2015.

The World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC) announces a new operational and governance model and appoints new leaders at his head. Its new Board comprising 7 members, including a new President, Mr Didier Schnorhk (Geneva International Music Competition). The new CEO of the WFIMC will be Benjamin Woodroffe (Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition), appointed Secretary General.

At the meeting of the WFIMC’s 59th General Assembly held in Bolzano, Italy (8‐10 May 2015) by the organisers of the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition, the WFIMC announced a new operational and governance model. Following several years of strategic planning, the new model is designed to provide the Federation with optimum opportunities to meet the challenges of the 21st century and to provide streamlined operational capacities.

The WFIMC will now be governed by one Board, comprised of the President and six members. The new Board governance replaces the former two‐tiered structure of a Bureau and Committee.

Following elections, the Federation is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Didier Schnorhk (Geneva International Music Competition) as its new President. Mr Schnorhk succeeds Mr Glen Kwok (International Violin Competition of Indianapolis) who held the position for six years.

Mr Schnorhk says he is most honored and pleased to take this charge at such an important moment for the WFIMC’s future. He acknowledges the remarkable work accomplished since many years by M. Glen Kwok, whose energy, commitment and persuasiveness made everything possible. Now, says Mr Schnorhk, the WFIMC can play a leading role in the international musical world.

The newly elected members of the WFIMC board are: Vice‐President Ms Marja‐Leena Pétas‐Arjava (Helsinki), Treasurer Mr Jacques Marquis (Fort Worth), Mr Karendra Devroop (Pretoria), Mr Rob Hilberink (Utrecht), Mr Peter Paul Kainrath (Bolzano) and Mr Stephen McHolm (Calgary). The Board of WFIMC is authorised with the responsibility of managing and controlling all affairs of the Federation.

In addition to the Board, a full time Secretary‐General based in Geneva will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer. Following an extensive, international search, Mr Benjamin Woodroffe (Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition) has been appointed as the new Secretary‐General. Mr Woodroffe will take office on 14 September, 2015.

Mr. Glen Kwok, President of the Search Committee, explains this choice: Mr Woodroffe’s exceptional background specifically in running music competitions, knowledge of fundraising and leadership experience made him a perfect match for the needs of the World Federation of International Music Competitions.

In other announcements, Ms Marianne Granvig will continue as Secretary‐General in the elected position she has held for the past six years until Mr Woodroffe takes office at the organisation’s existing headquarters in Geneva. Previously, Ms Granvig held a nine‐year tenure as the President of the WFIMC.

After thirty years of dedicated service, the Executive Secretary Ms Lottie Chalut, leaves the organisation at the end of May 2015.

The WFIMC takes this opportunity to thank Ms Granvig and Ms Chalut for their exemplary and committed service.