Baroness Elizabeth Smith of Gilmorehill formally stepped down as chair of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society on 18 August after 17 years in the post.
She said, "I have decided that it is time for some fresh thinking and for someone new to lead the board into the future. For me, serving the Fringe Society has been more fascinating and enthralling than I ever could have imagined when I joined the Board."
The Society's chief executive Kath M Mainland paid tribute to Baroness Smith, saying that, "she has helped to ensure that the Fringe has grown without ever losing its vitality and bite".
The new chair will be announce in October.