CHICAGO—The Arts & Business Council (A&BC) of Chicago has selected Peter Kuntz, most recently managing director of programs and production at the Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF), as its new executive director, effective July 28, 2008.

    Kuntz has held several positions with CHF, an international, independent arts and humanities production and education organization, during the past seven years. In his current capacity, he has been responsible for conceiving, formatting and implementing more than 150 annual public events in more than two-dozen venues. He served as acting president of CHF during a year of major leadership transition and director of marketing and communications previously. Among his many accomplishments are initiating and strengthening strategic marketing partnerships, leading a team to create four fall festivals, contributing to a 45 percent increase in festival attendance and developing a membership loyalty program.

    In addition, Kuntz brings an extensive background in advertising and brand management, having held positions with Publicis in Mid-America (formerly Hal Riney & Partners/Heartland), CM Partners, DDB Needham Worldwide and Tatham-Laird & Kudner Advertising. He has an M.S. in advertising and a B.S. in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He is on the board of TimeLine Theatre Company and has participated in Business of Arts and Culture, a national executive education program from National Arts Strategies.

    “Peter brings a unique blend of arts and business experience to A&BC,” said Terry Yale Feiertag, A&BC board chair. “His extensive background in advertising and brand management will enhance our leadership in linking the arts and business communities in metro Chicago.”

    Kuntz succeeds Joan Gunzberg, who is retiring as executive director of the organization. Following Joan’s announcement last January, A&BC formed a search committee, headed by Immediate Past Board Chairman Paul Boulis, comprising arts and business leaders from Chicago institutions. Kuntz was chosen from a pool of 350 candidates.

“The Council has had exemplary leadership from Joan Gunzberg for 20 years—a remarkable accomplishment in itself,” said Kuntz. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to advance and expand the initiatives she and her team have launched and sustained so effectively.

    “I look forward to exploring new and exciting ways to increase the Council’s involvement with—and influence on—Chicago’s arts and business communities and take advantage of the considerable benefits they offer each other.”