LiveWire and Culture Warrington have appointed Emma Hutchinson as new joint managing director, following last month’s announcement that current MD Jan Souness plans to retire.

Hutchinson has been chosen by the two Warrington-based organisations’ boards to lead and direct the neighbourhood wellbeing and cultural organisations following an internal appointment process. The 36-year-old, who is currently covering the role of cultural director at Culture Warrington, will take up the new post in February 2016 when Souness steps down.

Hutchinson joined the two companies as business development director in May 2012 when the organisations were formed following the transfer of the services from Warrington Borough Council. In her new role, she will lead the teams through their new business plans which focus on providing more opportunities that improve the wellbeing of residents in Warrington – such as the forthcoming £16m Warrington leisure hub.

As announced last month, current MD Jan Souness will still play an active role in both organisations after her retirement, taking on the part-time position of transformation projects strategic advisor, where she will provide strategic support on key projects.

“I am delighted to have been appointed to this new role and look forward to working alongside both boards and as well as continuing to work closely with Jan Souness in her new projects support role,” said Hutchinson.

“The next few years are going to be very exciting for both organisations with a wealth of new projects in the pipeline and I look forward to leading the strong and dynamic teams to deliver these important initiatives”.

LiveWire is now the largest provider of leisure and library facilities in Warrington, operating two neighbourhood hubs, four leisure centres, and 11 libraries, which have attracted more than three million visitors over the last year.