A Bombay native, Kanagat spent many years as a consultant at McKinsey & Company, where he was responsible for research and statistical analysis. He founded the firm's Seattle office and ran it for nearly a decade, while also serving as vice chair on the board of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.

ASOL President and C.E.O. Henry Fogel said, "Having seen Atul in action with many members of the orchestra community I am very excited to see him take on this new role of developing the League's first major involvement with research and development. His deep commitment to the power of knowledge and information to promote the evolution and growth of orchestras make him ideally suited for this new work."

League Executive Vice President and Managing Director Jesse Rosen commented, "[Atul's] years of service as vice chair of the Seattle Symphony board of directors and his consulting role with the League on our Collaborative Data Project have demonstrated his passion for orchestras, his boundless curiosity, and keen insights into understanding the challenges ahead for orchestras."

Kanagat will start in May, prior to the League's annual national conference in Nashville June 19-23.