ARC Stockton will welcome ALEXANDER FERRIS as Chief Executive and Creative Director in January.
Ferris joins the arts centre following a seven-year stint at Leeds Playhouse as Associate Director. Before this, he was Director of New Voices at The Old Vic and has held senior roles at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds and Sheffield Theatres.
Ferris said he is "incredibly excited" to join the organisation.
"For the last 20 years, the incredible team here have been making such a difference to the town and the whole of the Tees Valley through creativity and collaboration.
At ARC, Ferris said he looks forward to "deepening relationships with the local community, championing the talent in the region and presenting and co-producing the very best music, theatre, comedy, spoken word, dance and film for everyone to enjoy".
Chair KATE CRADDOCK said Ferris comes to the organisation with a "wealth of experience that is relevant to ARC and the communities that we work with".
"His vision and passion for the role that arts and creativity can play in people's lives is refreshing, and we are excited to see how ARC will evolve under his leadership."