Ginnie has been MD of the EIFF for 15 years and CEO of the Filmhouse for 5 years.

Iain Smith, Chair of EIFF said "Ginnie has done a fantastic job over the last 15 years and has made a huge and significant contribution to the growth of the Edinburgh International Film Festival. She leaves us with our warmest best wishes for the future."

Ginnie Atkinson said "I've had a fantastic experience at the EIFF over fifteen years. Edinburgh is a very special film festival and it has been a real privilege to work with the hundreds of staff that make it happen every year and in particular the four artistic directors in their turn and the core teams. Bringing the Filmhouse and the EIFF into closer partnership over the last few years has been an exciting and creative job and this is a perfect juncture at which to pass the baton on and to widen my own horizons. "

Ken Hay CEO Scottish Screen said "Ginnie has led the Edinburgh International Film Festival with amazing passion, determination and focus for over 15 years, and the Filmhouse for the last 5.  Everyone at Scottish Screen will be very sorry to be no longer working with Ginnie at the EIFF and Filmhouse, but we look forward to working with her in different ways in the future in developing Scotland's film and moving image culture."

Faith Liddell, Director Festivals Edinburgh, said "Ginnie Atkinson has been a wonderful colleague whose contribution to the Edinburgh festival scene and to the creation and development of Festivals Edinburgh has been truly invaluable. We will miss her input, her insight and her energy enormously but wish her all the best with the future."

Hannah McGill Artistic Director EIFF said "Ginnie has helped to build the reputation of the Edinburgh International Film Festival over many years and she will be missed. We go forward developing the legacy and anticipate a ground-breaking festival in June 2010"

In her time at the helm, Ginnie has developed both organisations in their joint and separate capacities to the point of a common and coherent strategy.  The organisations have strong management teams and vibrant brands on which they will continue to build.  Both organisations wish Ginnie well in the future.