New leadership team at Edinburgh International Festival

Edinburgh International Festival has named three new directors and two expanded roles as part of changes to its leadership team in its 75th anniversary year.

NICOLA BENEDETTI will become the festival’s first female and first Scottish Festival Director when she takes up post in October.

She will work alongside KATE CARTER, who became Director of Audiences in March after joining the festival from Scottish Ballet and KATHERINE PLANAS, who joins as Director of Development this month, from the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC.

Benedetti’s role will be supported by Programme Director ROY LUXFORD, who will take on additional responsibilities to become Creative Director, and Executive Director FRANCESCA HEGYI, who will step into the role of CEO.

“Getting to know the team at the International Festival has been fantastic and I’m so looking forward to joining the organisation fully later this year,” Benedetti said.

“My colleagues in this new leadership team comprise a wealth of talent, experience and knowledge and I am honoured to work alongside them to build on the festival’s incredible legacy.”