A NEW chief executive has been appointed at Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts.

Alistair Wilkinson, who is currently deputy chief executive and head of programming, will take over the role from August 7 following the departure of Ruth Eastwood, who leaves at the end of July to become chief executive for Leicester Theatres Trust.

Mr Wilkinson, 41, has played a major role in the development of Lighthouse, the largest regional arts centre in the UK, over the last nine years, helping its £9 million transformation.

In his existing role with overall responsibility for programming he has seen visits from the Royal Shakespeare Company, Dylan Moran, the Royal National Theatre and the Birmingham Royal Ballet as well as Derren Brown and Oasis.

After graduating in drama and English from the University of Hull, the married father-of-two held management posts at theatres, arts centres and concert halls in Bradford and Darlington, before moving to Poole in 1997.

Lyn Glass, chairman of Poole Arts Trust, said: "We are delighted to be able to confirm Alistair's appointment as our new chief executive.

"Alistair already has the respect of our principal stakeholders and facility users, and his appointment is also popular with staff.

"We believe Alistair's commitment to, and ambitions for the centre will ensure that Lighthouse continues to grow as a local resource of national significance."

Nick Capaldi, chief executive of the Arts Council of England, added: "We greatly look forward to working with Alistair as he takes the lead, and continues to build the reputation of the Lighthouse."