After a career based largely in tv and publishing, Peter Herrndorf has been named the new director general and ceo of the National Arts Centre (nac).

His eclectic career has seen him serve three terms as chairman and ceo of TVOntario – from 1992 to last February. He also served as both vp and gm of CBC English Television in the early 1980s, and topped the masthead as publisher of Toronto Life magazine from 1983 to 1992.

The nac has seen its fair share of controversy in recent months and years – in fundraising and management. ‘It’s a place that I think does wonderful work and has enormous potential, but it’s also gone through a lot of turbulence in the last few years,’ he says. ‘They’ve gone through a number of ceos in the last few years and so it’ll be a real challenge.’

Herrndorf reckons he was chosen for the post thanks to his knack for problem solving, not to mention his 20-25 years of experience working with artists in creative organizations. ‘I have had a lot of experience in the performing arts and a real passion for the performing arts. I guess finally [the nac needed] someone who has managed change in creative organizations with some success.’

He assumes his new position at the nac Sept. 1.