John McGrath appointed artistic director of Manchester International Festival

National Theatre Wales's John McGrath has been appointed the new artistic director and CEO of Manchester International Festival.

McGrath will start in September 2015 on a part-time basis, taking over from MIF's founding director Alex Poots, who is moving to New York to found a new arts space, The Culture Shed.

McGrath, who founded NTW seven years ago, said: "I am thrilled by the opportunity to work with the team behind MIF’s success, and alongside the rich and varied talents of Manchester’s unique cultural sector."

Tom Bloxham, chair of MIF, added: "We are very pleased to welcome John McGrath back to Manchester to take up the reins at MIF after his remarkable success as founding artistic director and CEO of National Theatre Wales."

Bloxham also paid tribute to Poots, who established MIF in 2007, praising his "creative vision, energy, commitment and sheer hard graft over the last ten years".

This year's Manchester International Festival runs from 2 to 19 July 2015.