Co-director of the Berlin International Film Festival's European Film Market (EFM) Karen Arikian has been named new executive director of The Hamptons International Film Festival.

Arikian will assume her duties in March 2008 and will attend the gala opening night on Oct 17 this year as an observer.

The executive director's duties include managing finances, developing board relations, fundraising and festival operations, and setting up the Screenwriter's Conference and developing collaborative relationships with the community.

Arikian's to-do list includes representing the festival through presentations at major film festivals, organisations, public events, and conducting interviews with reporters and others, as appropriate.

'The Hamptons has always been a terrific festival and is very well thought of and respected on the international circuit,' Arikian said. 'I look forward to working with the board to augment that prestige, solidify its organisation and continue to grow the festival into one of the mainstays in the film world.'

Prior to joining the EFM in 2002, Arikian served as head of the New York office for Berlin-based financing and production company TiMe Film und TV Produktion.