Changing Faces

The Hackney Empire has announced that Stuart Shanks (pictured left), previously of Walt Disney Theatrical Productions, will take up the position of Head of Finance and Administration, with Andrew Higgins (pictured right), formerly of English Touring Opera and English National Opera, as Head of Marketing, Communications and Development.

Dean Kustra is joining Ikon Arts Management as Artist Manager.

Northern Ballet Theatre has appointed Selina McGonagle (pictured) as Director of Learning and Access. She joins from the Northern School of Contemporary Dance where she was Head of Education and Community Programmes. Her appointment follows the departure of Wieke Eringa, who takes up the position of Artistic Director at Yorkshire Dance.

Spitalfields Festival has announced that Clare Lovett will be joining in December, as Education Director. She previously worked with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and replaces Philip Flood, who recently left the Festival to manage the London Symphony Orchestras Discovery Programme.

Jo Bycroft (pictured) has joined The Watermill, Newbury, as Development Director. She is joined by Kathryn Beale who has taken up the post of Development Administrator, and replaces Susan Foster, who has been appointed as Head of Major Gifts at Tate.

Dr Bernadette Lynch, Deputy Director at The Manchester Museum, is to leave at the end of October to pursue writing and consultancy work.

South West Arts Marketing (SWAM) has announced the appointment of Jo Dereza (pictured) as its new Director. She was previously SWAMs Marketing Director and takes up her new role following the departure of founding director, Shirley Kirk.

Clare van Loenen (pictured) joins Architecture Centre Network as Head of Learning. She was previously Head of Public Programmes at the Hayward Gallery and worked as Research Curator, Contemporary Projects at the V&A.

The Music Manifesto has announced that the Managing Director of Classic FM, Darren Henley, has been appointed Chair of its new independent Partnership and Advocacy Group.

Lynette Shanbury (pictured) has been appointed General Manager at The Little Angel Theatre in Islington. Prior to her appointment, she worked with Arts & Business in its national Research, Information and Evaluation team. She succeeds Charlotte Bond, who has left to take over the management of Kneehigh Theatre Company.

The International Society of the Performing Arts has announced the appointment of Canadian David Baile to the position of Chief Executive Officer. He was previously General Manager of Opera Atelier in Toronto, Canada, and has also served as General Manager of the Factory Theatre in Toronto.

Lord Robert Winston has been appointed Chairman of the Council of The Royal College of Music.