Now the hunt is on for his replacement

The chairman of the body that co-ordinates the Edinburgh Fringe is to step down at the end of next month.

Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea has been on the board of the  Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society for 12 years. He served two full terms as chair and was due to stand aside last year, but agreed to stay on because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The society is now hunting for a new chair, initially to serve for four years. Applications for the job - which is unpaid - close on March 1.

Shona McCarthy, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: ‘In a period of great uncertainty, Sir Tim O’Shea has been a figure of strength and stability for the Fringe Society, and I am incredibly grateful that he agreed to extend his tenure in the wake of these extraordinary times.

‘I’d like to personally thank him for his passion, commitment and foresight, and for his guidance during the most difficult year the Fringe has faced. I know that he will continue to be a great friend both to me and the Fringe Society in the future.

‘There’s no doubt that real challenges lie ahead. But I look forward to working with our new chair to make sure that the spirit of the Fringe burns as brightly as ever, and to build a more resilient Fringe Society to support the return of the Edinburgh Fringe as the best version of itself. 

‘We strongly encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds to ensure the Fringe Society is best representing the communities it serves.’

O’Shea, who was previously Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh University for 15 years, said: ‘ Much has changed in the last 12 months, but my belief in the importance of the arts and the immense value of the Fringe has never wavered.

‘ I know how dedicated the Fringe staff team are and I know the Board is totally committed to ensuring the Fringe survives and flourishes. I wish them well and I am sure they will succeed.’

Applications for the job are invited through the Fringe’s recuritment page, with the new chair set to be announced in April,

Published: 3 Feb 2021