The Stage

Edinburgh fringe appoints Book Festival's Mainland as new chief exec

Published Friday 20 February 2009 at 10:44 by Thom Dibdin

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The Edinburgh Festival Fringe has appointed Kath Mainland, currently administrative director of the Edinburgh Book Festival to the new post of chief executive.

She will take up the post in late May with Tim Hawkins remaining as general manager to oversee the day-to-day running of the organisation - including the introduction of a new ticketing system.

A 17-year veteran of the Edinburgh festivals, Kath Mainland started her career with the EFF in 1991 as an administrative assistant, before becoming a freelance festivals and events producer for eight years. During that time she was involved in many of Scotland's leading festivals and events, and spent time as general manager of Assembly Theatre, one the major Edinburgh Fringe producers.

In line with the recommendations of the recent Scott Moncrieff report, the Fringe is also appointing a team of three new permanent senior managers in early March for external affairs, marketing and participant services. Mainland was one of more than 100 applicants for the post of CEO and her pedigree in Edinburgh's festivals will be seen as a very strong pair of hands to run an event still shaking from the disaster of last year's ticketing crisis.

In accepting the post Kath Mainland said: “I’m absolutely thrilled, delighted and honoured to be joining the fringe as chief executive officer, heading up the team responsible for running the world’s greatest arts festival.

"I started my career at the fringe 17 years ago and have always been a passionate supporter of the festival. The fringe is a hugely important platform for performers from all over the world, a major driver for tourism and economic development and an unrivalled cultural opportunity for the people of Edinburgh. I look forward to building on its strengths and leading a world-class organisation for a world class festival.”