CAMBRIDGE, MASS.: American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University has named Diane Quinn as its new executive director. She will begin working with artistic director Diane Paulus on Dec. 1.

“The board and the university knew how important it was to find someone who could step in seamlessly to continue all of the extraordinary work of the institution,” said Paulus in a statement. “Diane Quinn’s background perfectly combines the expertise we need to take the theatre into its next phase and help chart the organizational strategy for the next 10 years.”

Quinn most recently served as the senior vice president of creative and artistic operations at Cirque du Soleil, where she was responsible for managing the artistic quality of the shows globally. She joined Cirque in 2004, and held the positions including public services director,  director of artist management, and company manager in Las Vegas. In Toronto, she served as the founding producer of Soulpepper Theatre Company, the coordinator of the arts administration program at the University of Toronto, and executive director of Toronto Women in Film and Television. Quinn is a graduate of the University of Toronto Honors Arts Specialist degree program with a concentration in arts management and drama.

“I am very pleased to be joining the amazing team at A.R.T. where I have had the privilege to meet with members of the board, the staff, and Harvard over the past several weeks,” said Quinn in a statement. “I look forward to continuing with the important work of this organization and the strong partnership with Harvard.”

The last person to hold the title of executive director at A.R.T. was Rob Orchard, who serve in the position from 1979 to 2009. William Russo briefly held the position of managing director, from 2013 to 2014.