Atlanta Symphony President And CEO Steps Down

The president and CEO of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is stepping down, the latest development in an ongoing labor dispute with its musicians.

The symphony on Monday announced the resignation of president and CEO Stanley Romanstein.

Romanstein said in a statement that he believes his continued leadership would be an “impediment” to reaching a new labor deal.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that retired Coca-Cola Co. executive Terry Neal will serve as interim president.

The orchestra’s contract with the musicians union ended recently and several concerts have been postponed due to the dispute.

The union says it wants to negotiate in good faith to preserve the orchestra.

Photo: David Goldman/AP

Local musician Maria Nichols holds a sign in front of Symphony Hall in Atlanta.

The orchestra’s management said it has operated at a deficit for a dozen years and needs concessions because the financial trend is unsustainable.