The National Arts Centre has found a new president and CEO – right under its nose.

Orchestra Director Christopher Deacon is the first person to be promoted to the role – from within the organization.

59-year-old Deacon spent 22 years as managing director of the NAC Orchestra – and is credited with leading some of its “boldest” initiatives – such as leading concerts and educational events in China and the U.K. – and spearheading the orchestra’s Canada 150 production, “Life Reflected” – which toured nationally last year and will be performed in Europe in 2019.

The Montreal-born Deacon succeeds Peter Herrndorf – who stepped down last June.