An internationally respected and passionate arts leader – Mainland has over twenty years’ experience leading arts organisations in the UK and Australia.   

She is known for her collaborative style and transformational leadership and will take up the post later this year, succeeding outgoing Executive Director Liam Sinclair, who will take up the post of Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive with the National Theatre of Scotland. 

Originally from Orkney, Mainland’s arts career began in 1991 when she first joined the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society as administrative assistant. She returns to Scotland from Australia, where she has spent the last decade working in some of the world’s most iconic festivals, most recently as Chief Executive of Adelaide Festival – Australia’s international festival – which recorded its highest ever attendance in 2024. 

Prior to this, she was Executive Director and co-CEO of RISING Melbourne, and Chief Executive of Melbourne International Arts Festival. She has extensive prior experience working in the creative sector in Scotland, serving as Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and Administrative Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.  

She has held multiple board positions including chairing Festivals Edinburgh in Scotland and Country Arts South Australia in Australia and was awarded a CBE for services to culture in Scotland in 2014. 

Her appointment comes as Dundee Rep is set to open its sell-out run of Make It Happen, directed by Rep Artistic Director, Andrew Panton. The production sees legendary actor Brian Cox returning to the Scottish stage for the first time in a decade. Previews commence in Dundee later this week, before heading to Edinburgh to open the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival. 

Kath Mainland, incoming Executive Director said: “I’m so delighted to be returning to Scotland to take the helm at Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre, one of the most dynamic cultural institutions in the UK, at this exciting time.  The combination of world-class theatre, an internationally acclaimed dance company and a community engagement programme that goes right to the heart of the community is a dream come true for me.  I look forward to working with Andrew, Joan, the board and the whole team, using my international experience to build on Liam’s extraordinary achievements and creating lasting experiences and meaningful connections for our audiences and artists alike.” 

Andrew Panton, CEO and Artistic Director of Dundee Rep Theatre said: “Kath’s appointment comes at an important point in the journey of Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre. Coming from a multi-arts and festivals background, Kath’s extensive experience could not be a better fit for our unique organisation, as we continue to produce world-class theatre and dance. I look forward to collaborating with Kath as we jointly lead Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre into an exciting new chapter.” 

Dr Susan Hetrick, Chair of the Board said “We are thrilled to welcome Kath Mainland CBE as the new Executive Director of Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre. Kath brings an exceptional wealth of experience, strategic clarity, and a deep belief in the power of the arts to connect, challenge and inspire. These qualities resonate strongly with our values and ambitions. Her appointment marks a significant new chapter and one that will be shaped by the partnership between Kath and our outstanding Artistic Director of Dundee Rep Theatre, Andrew Panton. As we launch a bold new season, beginning with the world premiere of Make it Happen, this is a pivotal moment in our journey — one that will strengthen our artistic storytelling, deepen our engagement with communities, and build a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future.”