Keith Skeoch

Mr Skeoch, already a trustee and active member of the Festival’s diversity and inclusion board working group, will take up the role from June.

Former chief executive of Standard Life Investments Plc, Mr Skeoch is a highly respected industry leader with deep expertise in the financial sector, public policy, regulatory affairs, and purpose led organisational change.

He is currently chair of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Research Institute, chair of the ring-fencing and proprietary trading independent review panel, interim chair of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), chair of the Investment Association and a member of the UK Takeover Panel. He is also a trustee of the Standard Life Foundation.

Leonie Bell, chair of the nominations committee, said: “Keith’s passion for and understanding of the festival spirit, its rich history and its role in Edinburgh and Scotland’s recovery is unrivalled.

“His experience in leadership and navigating organisational transformation is matched with a deep understanding of the significance of the current moment, and what lies ahead, for the Festival, society and the arts at large.

“He steps up to lead an ambitious and diverse board that is enormously invested in the Festival’s local relevance, national role and international success.”

Mr Skeoch said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as chair of the Edinburgh International Festival. It is an honour to lead such a capable board and a talented organisation through a period of significant change as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I have been connected to the Festival both personally and professionally for many years. The next few years will offer a much-needed opportunity for us to strengthen the role that the Festival plays both within the international and local arts community as we recover from the pandemic.”