At the end of last month the Edinburgh Fringe Society, the organisation that coordinates and supports the big old Edinburgh Festival Fringe, announced the appointment of a new CEO, who replaces Shona McCarthy, who announced her departure from the role last year.

The new Fringe Society chief is Tony Lankester, who joins the organisation from London’s Riverside Studios, where he has been CEO since 2020. Prior to joining the London venue, he spent twelve years running National Arts Festival South Africa.

Announcing the appointment, Benny Higgins, Chair of the Fringe Society, said: “Tony brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, and his insights from both a cultural and commercial background will ensure the Fringe Society can meet the needs of the wider Fringe community”.

“As the Fringe builds towards its 80th anniversary year”, he added, “Tony’s leadership will be key in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Fringe Society and Edinburgh Festival Fringe”.

Lankester himself said that the Edinburgh Fringe “occupies a rare and special place in the hearts and minds of artists the world over and it has played a formative role in so many stellar careers and millions of life-changing moments for audiences”.

He continued, “Staying true to that legacy, while being asked to help shape and guide its future, is a privilege”.