The Board of Trustees of the Edinburgh International Festival has elected Professor Niall Lothian as its next Chairman.

Professor Lothian first joined the Board in 2011 and was elected as Deputy Chairman in 2014. He will serve as Chairman for a term of four years.

In welcoming the appointment Festival Director Fergus Linehan said "We are delighted that the Board has elected Niall Lothian as Chairman. He brings to the role a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the International Festival and a passion for our work which stretches back for more than 40 years as an audience member and supporter."

Professor Niall Lothian said "I am honoured to have been elected as the Chairman of the Trustee Board in the International Festival’s 70th year and look forward to working with my fellow Trustees and the executive team at the Festival to help set its course into the future.".

Professor Niall Lothian has been involved with executive education for most of his career. He holds visiting appointments at INSEAD Fontainebleau and ESMT Berlin and is a past President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. Formerly a governor of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Niall is currently chairman of Inspiring Scotland, a venture philanthropy trust.