BRIDPORT Arts Centre has a new chairman.

Nick Zeibland has been appointed in his new role and will take over the stewardship of the arts centre from Barry Bates who served on the board for six years until October 2016 .

Mr Zeibland comes from a world of retail and says he will use his expertise to drive the arts centre forward during the next stage of it’s growth and development.

He said: "I have a 35-year-career in retail behind me, including running my own business and working in management consulting.

"Most recently I was director of retail strategy for British Airports Authority plc and also directed the retail input into Terminal 5.

"This role covered shops, food and beverage, retail services and car parking.

"It involved input into the masterplan and detailed design of the building in order to ensure retail income targets were met, developing and executing the letting strategy and ensuring fit-out and operational readiness for opening day.”

The board at Bridport Arts Centre is made up of a team of experts who are interested in the supporting the arts.

Members are responsible for providing oversight to the executive teams short term activities and aiding the long term planning for the centre’s development.

Speaking about his appointment, Laura Cockett, director of the arts centre said: “I’m really looking forward to working with Nick to make the arts centre an evermore vibrant place for the people of Bridport."