Branislav Henselmann

Branislav Henselmann joined San Francisco Ballet as Executive Director in 2024, bringing more than three decades of experience spanning arts leadership, cultural policy, and business strategy. Most recently, he served as Managing Director overseeing Arts, Culture, and Tourism for the City of Vancouver, where he led development of a transformative 10-year cultural plan unanimously adopted by elected officials. This work established arts and culture as essential civic infrastructure—the fourth pillar of sustainability—increased municipal investment, and advanced cultural equity through dedicated support for artists and affordable spaces.

His arts leadership career, following his time as a performing artist, spans North America and Europe and includes roles as Artistic Curator for New York City Ballet’s Choreographic Institute, Director of Programming and Learning for DanceEast and Executive Producer for Michael Clark Company (both UK). Before joining the City of Vancouver government, he served as Executive Director of Ballet BC, leading the company through record-breaking organizational growth and international expansion.

Henselmann received his initial dance training in Munich and completed it at the conservatory level at Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance in London. He holds an MFA in Dance and Business Administration from New York University and a Master of Public Administration from the London School of Economics.