He said it was a “privilege” to be picked to help shape the future of the festival which had “played a formative role in so many stellar careers and millions of life-changing moments for audiences”.
Since 2020 he has been joint CEO and executive director of Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, where he oversaw a restructuring of the company’s debt and sale of the cultural hub to a newly-established trust.
A former broadcaster, Lankester started his career at South African radio station SAfm where he presented a weekend breakfast show for seven years.
This was followed by a stint with insurance giant Old Mutual, first in corporate communications and then as its sponsorship manager.
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His move into the arts came in 2007 after he was invited to be CEO of South Africa’s National Arts Festival, the largest event of its kind on the African continent, and spent the next 12 years in the role. While there, he helped launch new festivals including the Cape Town Fringe and the Creative Digital Arts Festival. He remains on the Festival’s board as a trustee.
He joins the Fringe Society following a testing period for the world-famous performing arts celebration held in the capital every August. A protracted recovery from Covid-19 and cuts to the cultural sector have pushed many performers and venues to the brink. The charity continues to feel the effects of the pandemic, reporting losses of £226,000 in 2024.
In an interview with The Herald at the end of last year McCarthy warned the Fringe’s future was threatened by the extortionate cost of accommodation in Edinburgh and lack of any core funding from the Scottish Government to assist the running of the event, despite its attendance being “Olympic-sized”.
The Fringe Society was established 65 years ago to ensure the smooth running of the Festival and that it remained open to anyone and everyone.
Mr Lankester said Ms McCarthy’s leadership had been “inspirational, principled and passionate” during some of the toughest years in the fetival’s history.
“She hands it over in great shape, and I hope to do her hard work justice,” he said.
“Edinburgh Festival Fringe occupies a rare and special place in the hearts and minds of artists the world over and it has played a formative role in so many stellar careers and millions of life-changing moments for audiences. Staying true to that legacy, while being asked to help shape and guide its future, is a privilege.
“The arts environment is hugely challenging at the moment and the world a difficult and noisy place. Now, more than ever, there is a need for what the Fringe is and for what it can be – for artists, audiences, producers, venues, and the people of Edinburgh.”
The appointment was confirmed by the Society’s Board of Directors, whose chair Benny Higgins said: “Tony brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles, and his insights from both a cultural and commercial background will ensure the Fringe Society can meet the needs of the wider Fringe community.
“As the Fringe builds towards its 80th anniversary year, Tony’s leadership will be key in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Fringe Society and Edinburgh Festival Fringe.”
