JONATHAN HIGGINS is to join Tyne Theatre & Opera House as their first Chief Executive Officer.
Higgins will move from Croydon’s Fairfield Halls, where he was Venue Director for operators BH Live. Previously, he was Head of Events for Your Trust in Greater Manchester and spent 12 years leading the arts and events team at The Sands Centre, Carlisle.
Working alongside Theatre Director JOANNE JOHNSON, Higgins will lead the theatre's transition to a fully refurbished and sustainable independent venue.
Chair MIKE WILMOT said the trust is "delighted" to welcome Higgins.
"These are exciting times for our theatre as we look to invest in our Grade 1 listed opera house and seek to expand our activities.
"Jonathan joining us will give us the capacity and expertise to deliver these ambitions.”
Higgins added: "I’m so pleased to have moved to this beautiful theatre in such an iconic city.
"The Tyne Theatre & Opera House is a beloved part of the North East’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
"Theatre staff, trustees and volunteers have worked so hard and achieved so many great things, since taking on the independent running of the theatre in 2015.
"I’m looking forward to supporting and leading the team for the next chapter of the Tyne Theatre & Opera House’s story.”