Shona McCarthy has been announced as the new chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society (EFFS).

The EFFS underpins the running of the world famous arts festival.

McCarthy comes in after Kath Mainland stepped down in 2015 after seven years in the post. 

She said: “I am thrilled to be appointed Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, an organisation I have long admired. I have spent 25 years working in the cultural sector and have seen up close and personal the transformative power that art can have on people, on cities and on wellbeing. I passionately believe in personal and collective creativity as a force for good in a turbulent world.

“I have visited Edinburgh and the Fringe on many occasions and there is no better outlet for creative expression than the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the greatest open access arts festival in the world, and I can’t wait to work with and support all those who make up such a wonderful festival.

“Kath Mainland has done a terrific job and there is a brilliant team already in place, I look forward to joining them.”

McCarthy was the Chief Executive of the Culture Company, which took the lead on Derry-Londonderry’s year as UK City of Culture.

Other than that, she has been involved in Imagine Belfast and the Foyle Film Festival.

Her appointment has been welcomed by the board of directors at the EFFS.

Sir Timothy O’Shea said on behalf of the board: “I am delighted Shona will be joining the team at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society; she brings with her an exceptional resume of experience in the cultural sector and is an experienced and successful chief executive.

“As the Fringe approaches its 70th anniversary year, I have no doubt Shona will provide the vision and leadership to continue and further develop the work the Society does, supporting the Fringe’s reputation as a world leading arts festival.”

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe takes place from August 5 to August 29 2016.

Shona McCarthy has been named the new Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. For more information, click here.