SHEENA Wrigley is leaving the chief executive's post at the West Yorkshire Playhouse after six years to join Manchester’s new cultural venue, HOME, as its executive director.

Wrigley, who joined the Playhouse in 2008, has navigated the organisation through government and local authority funding cuts and was instrumental in the appointment of artistic director James Brining as Ian Brown's successor in 2012. She was key too to the regeneration of the Playhouse board and the theatre’s redevelopment and revitalisation.

"It's been a privilege to be a part of West Yorkshire Playhouse for the past six and a half years," says Sheena. "I leave excited by the work we’re producing and the artistic collaborations we’re now part of. I’m proud of the journey our talented, energetic and dedicated staff, board and management have taken in revitalising the theatre and making the Playhouse one of the UK's most pioneering producing theatres.

"We've achieved ambitious change during what has been a challenging time for the arts. I'm grateful for their support, to the artists who have inspired and challenged us and to our major funders for their continued faith in our endeavour."

James Brining paid compliment to Wrigley's work. "We're sad to see Sheena leave the Playhouse; she is committed and talented and has contributed hugely to the development of our organisation. She's been a leading voice for the importance of public funding for arts and cultural organisations and has helped to strengthen the foundations of this theatre. We send our congratulations to HOME as they begin their journey as a new arts venue and look forward to a continuing relationship with Sheena in her new role."

Wrigley has been working closely with the board to secure the Playhouse's future plans. "West Yorkshire Playhouse is a leading UK producing theatre, playing a vital role in the cultural ecology of the country," says chairman Sir Rodney Brooke.

"The Playhouse is much more than a theatre and plays a huge part in the life of the city. The work we have undertaken with refugees, with disadvantaged communities, with young and older people; the development of our national touring programme, the Transform Festival, which has identified us as a leading player for emerging theatre makers, owe a great deal to Sheena Wrigley. She will be an enormous loss to West Yorkshire Playhouse. The Playhouse has gained much from her time with us."