WYCOMBE Swan will welcome a new theatre director in March.

Giles Ballisat, who was previously general manager at Venue Cymru, has a wide range of arts and entertainment management experience, and has worked for a number of theatres, including The White Rock Theatre in Hastings.

Michael Ockwell, managing director of HQ Theatres, who run the Wycombe Swan, says: "Giles will bring a wealth of experience of managing arts organisations to the role at Wycombe Swan. His enthusiasm and commitment to audience development will be a major asset to our organisation."

Present theatre director Sam McCaffrey has been given the new position of head of community and development for HQ Theatres.

Giles will take up his new role from Monday, March 3.