Gudgin will step down in June

He is leaving to produce ‘a variety of festival and event-related projects both in the UK and internationally’, the Fringe office said.

He will quit after the 2007 programme is launched on Thursday June 7.

Gudgin said: It’s been a great privilege to run the world’s largest arts festival for the past eight years, but it’s time for me to move on.

‘While I’m leaving at a time of strength for the Fringe, there are still many challenges that my successor will face but fortunately they’ll also be inheriting a wonderful job and the opportunity to work with a fantastic group of people.’

Baroness Elizabeth Smith, chair of the Fringe board of directors said, “’I’m personally very sad that Paul is leaving. He has contributed an extraordinary amount to the Fringe during his time in office.

‘The growth in ticket sales, performing companies and new venues has been headline news for many years.’

His job will be advertised in the next few weeks with interviews taking place in the spring.

During his tenure, Gudgin has overseen a huge growth in the Fringe – audience numbers have doubled in a decade – but has fought a losing battle about securing more public funding to the event, despite the economic benefits it brings to Edinburgh.

Published: 22 Jan 2007