She succeeds Mark Rubinstein, following the end of his three-year tenure in the post. Newling, who is a founding director of Neal Street Productions – an independent theatre, film and TV production company formed in 2003 – is currently represented in the West End by the co-production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, and regionally by an imminent national tour for Shrek the Musical, which opens next month at the Grand Theatre in Leeds, which she also co-produced the original Broadway and West End runs of (also at Drury Lane). She was also architect of The Bridge Project, in which Sam Mendes directed five stage classics that were seen in over 15 cities worldwide between 2009 and 2012, in association with the Old Vic and Brooklyn Academy of Music where they each played.

In a press statement, Julian Bird, Chief Executive of SOLT, commented, "Caro brings an enormous wealth of experience in both commercial and not-for-profit theatre, and in both productions and venue management. She is incredibly well placed to help SOLT and its members with the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead over the next few years, not least in funding, training and international ventures, and we welcome her warmly as our new President."

Newling adds, "SOLT is a fast developing entity, uniting producers and theatres in both commercial and subsidised sectors under one roof. On behalf of its vibrant membership, Mark Rubinstein and Julian Bird have built considerable momentum around the Society's role as pioneer. It's a huge privilege to be stepping up at this point. There are certainly challenges ahead but I'm equally looking forward to celebrating the phenomenal achievements of our creative industry."