THE new chief executive of Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre is Geoffrey Rowe, who took up his new appointment on Monday.

He brings a wealth of experience from more than 20 years in theatre management including lengthy spells as administrator at the Crucible and Lyceum theatres in Sheffield and more recently as director of finance and administration with the Welsh National Opera.

During the past two years he was worked extensively on a freelance basis in the arts, which includes his current contract with the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff.

He is also working on projects with BBC Wales, Bristol Old Vic and the Northcott Theatre in Exeter.

Edward Gillespie, chairman of the board at the Everyman, said: "The board are delighted Geoffrey will be joining the Everyman.

"He has an excellent reputation within the theatre industry and a proven track record for working closely with the local community."

Mr Rowe, who is married with three children and lives in Bristol, said: "I'm delighted to be offered this job at an exciting stage of the theatre's development.

"I have long been an admirer of the Everyman. It has managed to present a wide-ranging programme to capacity audiences and maintain an innovative education and community programme."

Mr Rowe replaces Phillip Bernays, who moved last year to the Theatre Royal in Newcastle. The post remained vacant because the Everyman's original choice of replacement, Andrew Aughton from the Buxton Opera House, had a change of heart.