Janet Rollé, who served as CEO and executive director of the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) for only 17 months, has resigned from her position. The announcement of her departure came through a press release issued by the company on Wednesday, just a week before the start of ABT's summer season on June 22. Rollé's resignation is effective immediately.

In her statement included in the press release, Rollé expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a prestigious company during a critical period. She extended her best wishes to ABT as they enter a new chapter, while shifting her focus to her roles as a board director at BuzzFeed, Inc. and Hallmark Cards, Inc., as well as her position as a Presidential Appointee at the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

No specific reason was provided for Rollé's sudden departure, and ABT declined to provide further comment. Andrew F. Barth, the Board Chairman, acknowledged Rollé's contributions and leadership during a challenging time for the company, as it worked to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed appreciation for her guidance during the transition and wished her the best.

Rollé, who became the first Black woman to lead ABT in its history, had previously served as the General Manager at Parkwood Entertainment, a media and management company founded by Beyoncé. During her time there, she was involved in the production of Beyoncé's iconic 2018 Coachella performance and the concert film Homecoming. She also served as an executive producer of the Emmy-winning film Black Is King.

When Rollé joined ABT, she emphasized the significance of dance in her career and expressed her privilege in being entrusted with preserving and expanding the legacy of American Ballet Theatre. She saw it as an opportunity to give back to the art form that had played such a foundational role in her life. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, she highlighted her commitment to making ABT a true representation of America's National Ballet Company for all Americans, emphasizing that her Black identity is integral to her leadership and contributions.

During the CEO transition period, Susan Jaffe, the artistic director of ABT, will assume the role of interim executive director. Rollé will serve as a strategic advisor to the board chair as they search for her successor. Jaffe expressed her humility and excitement in leading ABT during this transitional phase and looked forward to the upcoming New York Premiere of Christopher Wheeldon's "Like Water for Chocolate" as part of ABT's Met season.