A new Dunedin Fringe Festival director has been appointed, to take over from founding director Paul Smith, who is stepping down.

The new director is Josh Thomas, the current Dunedin manager of the New Zealand International Film Festival.

He will take charge of the annual Fringe Festival, as well as Pecha Kucha Dunedin and the Amped Music Project.

Thomas has worked in event management, television production and art direction, and was previously the co-ordinator for the Puaka Matariki Festival.

He was appointed as Fringe Festival director by the Dunedin Fringe Arts Trust, and officially starts in the role next month.