Arts Council England (ACE) has announced that Manchester International Festival (MIF) general director Simon Mellor has been appointed as its new executive director, arts.

Mellor takes up the post following the departure of predecessor Andrew Nairne, who was named director of the Kettle's Yard gallery in Cambridge in November 2011.

In addition to his role at MIF, Mellor spent 12 years at the Lyric in Hammersmith, London - the latter six as executive director. He has also worked at number of other leading venues.

ACE chief executive Alan Davey said: "[Simon will] bring fresh ideas as we continue to make sure arts and culture remain at the heart of what we are as a country."

Mellor will join ACE in March, with Barbara Matthews continuing in the position in an interim capacity before returning to her post as director, theatre