AMIT SHARMA has been announced as Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Kiln Theatre.
Sharma will succeed INDHU RUBASINGHAM, whose departure was announced in June.
A freelance director and Associate Director at Kiln, Sharma will step up to the role in December when the current Executive Director, DAISY HEATH, is set to leave.
Before joining the Brent-based theatre in London, Sharma was Deputy Artistic Director of Birmingham Rep, Associate Artistic Director at the Royal Exchange in Manchester, and Associate Director at Graeae Theatre Company.
Outgoing Artistic Director Rubasingham said she “greatly admires and respects” Sharma.
“I could not be happier about this appointment and have no doubt he will lead Kiln Theatre in this next chapter, both brilliantly and to further heights.”
Kiln's Chair, SITA MCINTOSH, said there were almost 40 applications for the position but Sharma had "already proved his directorial credentials”.
“He also impressed the selection panel with his commitment to Kiln Theatre and our values, his artistic vision for the future and his 360-view of what the building can represent and offer the local community of Brent".
Sharma commented: “Over the last 18 months, I've got to know first-hand how truly iconic the Kiln Theatre is.
“To become the next Artistic Director and CEO is such a huge honour, and to follow Indhu, who has always been a huge inspiration to me, is beyond my wildest dreams.
“The Kiln is a theatre right at the heart of its community - a beacon for the people of Brent, bringing audiences to the borough from across London, the UK and internationally.
“There’s a magic that happens on that stage, and I look forward to working with the brilliant team there to bring that to audiences as we embrace this new phase together.”