Tonya Nelson appointed ACE's London area director

Tonya Nelson has been appointed London area director at Arts Council England, replacing Joyce Wilson who retires this year.

Nelson has been ACE’s director of arts technology and innovation since last year and will now move to oversee the body’s work in the capital.

Prior to joining the Arts Council, Nelson was director of museums and cultural programmes at University College London and has also been head of governance and planning at the London Transport Museum.

She said: "Having left the United States to start my career in the arts in London because of its rich and diverse cultural sector, I am honoured and excited to take up the role of London area director. I am committed to supporting London’s artists and cultural organisations through the current crisis, and look forward to seeing a future where they can thrive once again.”

Nelson will become one of five area directors for the Arts Council, which cover regions across the country.

Laura Dyer, deputy chief executive, said: "Tonya has been appointed against a very strong field. She brings with her a depth and range of experience that will be hugely valuable as we implement our new strategy, Let’s Create.

"She will be working with a strong legacy built by Joyce Wilson and the London team and I look forward to working with her to realise the ambitions of a truly inclusive creative country.”

She will take over the role in August.