Shona McCarthy steps down after nine years

Shona McCarthy is stepping down as chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society after nearly a decade at the helm.

She will leave her role in the spring,  having taken the organisation through the Covid lockdown and subsequently securing the most significant public funding from the UK government in 2023.

However her tenure has also been marked by spiralling costs, especially for artists’ accommodation.  

But Phoebe Waller-Bridge, honorary president of the Fringe Society, was full of praise for her work.

She said: ‘Shona Shona Shona! You could not imagine a more passionate, determined, ambitious, hilarious, fiercely optimistic leader of the Fringe. 

‘After years working to build and expand the Fringe in every way for everyone, facing unimaginable setbacks and challenges, Shona’s eyes never stopped shining with genuine excitement for every new show she told you about. 

‘She held the Fringe together through its most challenging years and guided it to its record-breaking peak. She is one in a billion. 

‘I am personally devastated that she is leaving, but equally thrilled that she can take a well-earned rest knowing that she has raised more money, staged more shows, convinced more people of the importance and vibrancy of the Fringe than should be humanly possible. Thank you, Shona. We owe you so much and will miss you like crazy’.

Benny Higgins, chair of the board of directors of the Fringe Society added: ‘The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has, for over nine years, been led by the irrepressible Shona McCarthy. 

‘The Fringe is a unique, wonderful, inclusive celebration of the performing arts, and the importance of freedom of expression stands at its core. It is an essential element of our cultural identity at home and abroad. Shona has been an outstanding leader during a period characterised by constant huge challenges including funding. 

‘Her leadership of our renaissance following the pandemic has been extraordinary. She will be sorely missed. She will move on with our gratitude and our very best wishes, in the knowledge that she will always be part of the Fringe family.’

McCarthy herself said: ‘It has been an enormous privilege to serve the Edinburgh Fringe, I love this phenomenal festival and will forever be an advocate and champion. I have worked with some of the best people in our sector, a committed and passionate team, and brilliant Board members led by our chair Benny Higgins and his predecessor Tim O’Shea.

‘In my remaining time with the Fringe Society I will be relentless in continued work with all to ensure our charity is in its best shape to continue to support this globally exceptional festival and performing arts expo, and I will work closely with the city, Scottish Government and UK Government to encourage more supportive conditions for this national and international cultural asset that is delivered every year in Scotland’s beautiful capital and is part of the fabric of Edinburgh’.

The recruitment process for a new chief executive will be announced soon with the successful applicant due in post by Spring 2025.

Published: 8 Oct 2024