Exclusive: A rush for the exits at shaky LA Phil

Attempts by interim CEO Daniel Song to stabilise the rocky LA Phil team have only set the designer doors swinging even more wildly.

Overnight, we hear that two senior members of the in-house PR team resigned of their own volition. A third PR coordinator has also quit.

Here’s the internal communication:

Senior Marketing team,

I’m writing with some updates from the PR team. Today (Director of Public Relations) Sophie (Jefferies) has shared that after 14 years, this 2023 Bowl season will be her last with the LA Phil as she looks to write the next chapter of her career. Sophie plans to continue supporting PR for our Bowl performances through the end of the season. I am passing along a note from Sophie to the LA Phil team, pasted at the end of this email.

Publicist Holly Wallace has also accepted another position with a local philanthropic organization, and it’s an exciting opportunity for her to apply her skills beyond public relations. Holly’s last day will be August 25.

With the continued support of our longtime PR agency partners, Polskin, as well as our other contract and agency publicists, we are focused on ensuring continued coverage for our coming WDCH 23-24 season and all other needs beyond the current Bowl season. Nora and I will continue sharing updates as we build our Public Relations function and look to structure the team in a way that best supports our work and the LA Phil’s strategic priorities.

Please join me in thanking Sophie for her contributions and years of service, and in wishing both Holly and Sophie our best for their next adventures!

Thank you,

Anna

Dear Colleagues,

It is with both sadness and excitement that I have decided the 2023 Hollywood Bowl season will be my last with the LA Phil. A recent, personal loss taught me that life is short and has inspired me to look for a new challenge in my life and expand my horizons. The last 14 years at the LA Phil has given me countless amazing career milestones and I look forward to making many more outside the organization in the years to come. I will continue at the LA Phil until November 4 to see out the remainder of the Bowl season and I will work with Nora and Anna to make sure that the transition is seamless for everyone. I also want to thank the Executive Team for their support in making this difficult decision.

Thanks

SOPHIE