Ali Robertson has been appointed Kneehigh's executive producer.
Robertson, in his present position of director of Tobacco Factory Theatres, has overseen more than forty productions and co–productions and the building of a second theatre. Prior to his current appointment, he ran the Cork Midsummer Festival for four years.
At Kneehigh, Robertson will work with artistic director Mike Shepherd to develop the company's national and international touring programme.
In June, he replaces Paul Crewes who leaves Kneehigh after 10 years to join the Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts in Los Angeles as artistic director.
Shepherd said, "although I’m sad that Paul is leaving our shores, I heartily congratulate him on his new appointment and look forward to the ongoing association with him in America and Emma at the Globe.
"So this is a new Kneehigh era and I am delighted to welcome Ali as a fellow adventurer, he has a reputation for making things happen against the odds. Bring on the next big adventure in a spirit of creative enterprise!"