SMITH REAPPOINTS CHAIRMAN OF ARTS COUNCIL

CULTURE Secretary Chris Smith has announced that Granada Chairman Gerry Robinson has been reappointed to the Chairmanship of the Arts Council of England.
His appointment will run for three years until January 2004.
Smith said: "I am delighted to reappoint Gerry Robinson as Chairman of the Arts Council of England. He has brought about changes to the Arts Council and its Regional Arts Boards which will continue to benefit the arts and their audiences. In particular he has fashioned a more strategic role of the Arts Council. He has been a great champion of the arts, and I look forward to the continuation of his excellent work in furthering the cause of the arts in this country."
Robinson was appointed Chairman of the Arts Council of England in May 1998. His career has included financial and accounting roles at Lesney Products, Lex Service Group and Coca-Cola.
He joined Granada in October 1991 as Chief Executive and took over as Chairman in March 1996. Previously Robinson was Chairman of BSkyB plc and of ITN.
He takes a personal interest in the visual and performing arts, and has been involved in the development of the Royal Court Theatre. (CD)