Brown has been at the helm of the theatre for the last ten years; Brining will take up his appointment in late summer. According to press materials, Dundee Rep has become one of Scotland's foremost theatres and cultural hubs under his artistic leadership, being home not only to one of the few ensemble companies in the UK (Dundee Rep Ensemble), but also to Scottish Dance Theatre and Rep Creative Learning. During his tenure at Dundee Rep, the theatre has won and been nominated for more TMA and Critics Awards in Scotland than any other Scottish theatre. The company has gained a national and international reputation, touring work across the world to countries as diverse as Iran, Mexico and Japan, as well as throughout the UK. Brining's own productions of Sunshine on Leith and Sweeney Todd won the TMA Best Musical awards in 2007 and 2010, respectively, and he is currently working on the first major revival of Zinnie Harris’ acclaimed drama Further from the Furthest Thing. He was previously artistic director of TAG Theatre Company, which was coincidentally another company once run by Ian Brown.

In a press statement, the Leeds-born Brining commented, "I am hugely excited by the opportunity to return home and lead this great theatre into a new era. I look forward to bringing the many strands of my experience together at one of Britain's leading cultural organisations and to working on both Playhouse stages, as well as providing platforms for other artists to make extraordinary work.  I want to develop a culture of creativity and excellence, building partnerships at home and throughout the UK as well as overseas. Theatre is a vital element of our cultural and social fabric and I aim to ensure that West Yorkshire Playhouse is a place where people have life-enriching and transformative experiences. It’s our job to throw open the doors and welcome people to the Playhouse with unforgettable, world-class work."