Sian Alexander has been appointed the new executive director of The Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith.

She succeeds Jessica Hepburn, who is leaving the Lyric after nearly a decade to focus on her writing career. Hepburn is swimming the English Channel as her last act for the Lyric, to raise money for the theatre's work with disadvantaged children.

Alexander was previously executive director of the Bush Theatre, in Shepherd's Bush, and head of theatre in London at Arts Council England for 10 years.

Sean Holmes, artistic director at The Lyric Theatre, said: "I'm delighted Sian Alexander will soon join us as our new executive director. 2015 has been monumental for the Lyric with the reopening of the building following its £20m capital development, and the coming years will be a very exciting time.

"I look forward to working with Sian as we take the Lyric on into its next chapter."

Alexander said: "The Lyric is my local theatre and I've been a huge fan of its work for years.

"It is an honour now to lead the theatre alongside Sean Holmes and to work together to realise the fantastic potential of the Lyric's new spaces for artists, audiences and young people."

Alexander will officially take up the role from Monday October 5.

The Lyric Theatre, King Street, Lyric Square, Hammersmith, W6 0QL - 020 8741 6850