Arts Council England today announced the appointment of Jim Tough as Area Executive Director, North. The appointment is the final one to its new Executive Board – the streamlined national leadership team that will lead the re-structured organisation from April 2010.
Jim is currently Chief Executive of the Scottish Arts Council (SAC), where he has made a significant contribution to the change management programme that will result in the formation of Creative Scotland – the new body that will take over the functions of the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen.
Jim has more than 25 years experience in the public and voluntary sectors, in community education and youth work and the arts. During his time at SAC, his strategic review of funding relationships resulted in a £7M uplift in SAC’s government grant.
Jim said: “I have been privileged to enjoy a hugely rewarding career in the arts in Scotland, including a fantastic ten years at the Scottish Arts Council.
“The opportunity for fresh challenges in a new environment is timely in terms of my own journey. Joining the team at Arts Council England as they take a distinctive approach to achieving great art for everyone is an opportunity I will relish.
“I wish the new venture of Creative Scotland all the very best. In the work and people of the SAC they will inherit a great platform for their ambitions.’’
Speaking of Jim’s appointment, Arts Council England Chief Executive Alan Davey said: “I am thrilled to have Jim on board as a member of our new leadership team.
“His vast experience of the arts, his vision and his strong leadership will be invaluable in helping in the transformation of Arts Council England.
“The new executive board is ready to take on the challenges ahead - enabling artistic excellence, ensuring great art is available to everyone, and making sure the arts can continue to play a key part in economic recovery and sustainability, as well as being at the heart of civic life.”
Arts Council England’s nine-strong leadership team is led by Chief Executive Alan Davey and consists of four National and four Area Executive Directors. They are:
Alison Cole – Executive Director, Communications
Laura Dyer – Area Executive Director (Midlands and South West)
Althea Efunshile – Chief Operating Officer
Anupam Ganguli – Executive Director Resources
Andrew Nairne – Executive Director Arts
Moira Sinclair – Area Executive Director London
Andrea Stark – Area Executive Director East and South East
Jim Tough – Area Executive Director North
With the exception of Jim – who will take up his role in April 2010 all members of the new Executive Board have now taken up their new roles in a designate capacity. They are focusing on setting up their new teams as well as carrying out the responsibilities of their existing regional and national executive director roles.
To ensure a smooth transition, all existing Regional Executive Directors will continue in their current roles until the new structure is established.
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