BIRMINGHAM Royal Ballet has a new director of marketing and communications.

Kara Larson has previously worked in a number of senior marketing and communications roles for opera companies and performing arts centres in the United States, including San Francisco Opera, Carolina Performing Arts and the Gimmerglass Festival.

She founded Arts Knowledge, a consulting firm that implemented data analysis, audience growth studies and pricing and revenue maximisation schemes for arts companies across America and Canada.

Christopher Barron, chief executive at Birmingham Royal Ballet, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Kara Larson to the company. She is a proven leader with extensive experience in a range of senior posts.

"She will take charge of an excellent communications team at a vital time for the company and ensure that Birmingham Royal Ballet continues to engage comprehensively with its audiences, stakeholder, staff and the wider public.

"I believe that Kara will help build on our reputation and ensure that great communications supports the work of the company as a whole.”

Ms Larson said: “I am delighted to be joining the Birmingham Royal Ballet team. It is a treat to join a company already performing at such a high level and I am excited about going forward with them into their 25th anniversary next year and the years ahead.”