Credit: edfringe.com

Tony Lankester is set to take on the role of Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society in early ...

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Tony Lankester is set to take on the role of Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society in early April 2025, bringing with him a wealth of experience from the global arts sector.

Tony joins the Fringe Society after five years as CEO of Riverside Studios, where he led the organisation through a significant period of transition. Prior to that, he spent 12 years at the helm of the National Arts Festival in South Africa, one of the continent’s largest and most diverse celebrations of the arts.

Chair of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Benny Higgins, expressed enthusiasm for Tony’s appointment, stating: “I am delighted that Tony will be joining the Fringe Society this Spring. Tony brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, and his insights from both a cultural and commercial background will ensure the Fringe Society can meet the needs of the wider Fringe community. As the Fringe builds towards its 80th anniversary year, Tony’s leadership will be key in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Fringe Society and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.”

Reflecting on his new role, Tony said: *“Edinburgh Festival Fringe occupies a rare and special place in the hearts and minds of artists the world over and it has played a formative role in so many stellar careers and millions of life-changing moments for audiences. Staying true to that legacy, while being asked to help shape and guide its future, is a privilege.

“The arts environment is hugely challenging at the moment and the world a difficult and noisy place. Now, more than ever, there is a need for what the Fringe is and for what it can be – for artists, audiences, producers, venues, and the people of Edinburgh.

“Shona has been an inspirational, principled and passionate leader and advocate for the Fringe during some of the toughest years in its history, navigating some extraordinary challenges with diplomacy, empathy, focus and determination. She hands it over in great shape, and I hope to do her hard work justice.”*

Background on Tony Lankester

Tony began his career in journalism, working for South African national radio station SAfm, where he presented the popular SAfm Weekend show for seven years. He later transitioned into corporate communications at Old Mutual before taking on the role of CEO at the National Arts Festival in 2007.

During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in broadening the Festival’s funding base, expanding its audience, and strengthening its connection with the community of Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), where it is based. He spearheaded the launch of multiple new arts events, including the Cape Town Fringe and the Creativate Digital Arts Festival, and worked to establish international touring opportunities for South African artists.

As a founding Chair of the World Fringe Alliance, Tony played a key role in fostering collaboration between ten Fringe Festivals worldwide, helping to create touring pathways for artists across the globe. His work has also taken him to the UAE and Europe, where he helped develop festivals and project-managed South Africa’s return to the Venice Biennale in 2013.

After stepping down from the National Arts Festival in 2019, Tony was invited to join its Board as a Trustee, a role he continues to hold. He then relocated to London, where he joined Riverside Studios as joint-CEO and Executive Director. At Riverside, he navigated the organisation through the Covid-19 pandemic, managed a complex restructuring process, and ultimately facilitated the sale of the Studios to a newly established Trust, securing its future as a major cultural venue in West London.

Beyond his leadership roles, Tony has been a podcast presenter, delivered a TEDx talk on the power of the arts, and guest lectured on branding and arts marketing at Rhodes University’s Journalism School, where he was recently recognised as one of the institution’s Top 50 Alumni.

His appointment comes at a crucial time for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as it approaches its 80th anniversary, and his leadership is expected to help guide the organisation through the challenges and opportunities ahead.

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