A TOP boss at Alexandra Palace is leaving to take over as general manager of the O2 Arena.

Rebecca Kane is leaving her post as managing director of the palace after more than three years at the helm.

Her departure will make way for newly appointed chief executive Duncan Wilson to take charge of the running of the venue.

Ms Kane told the Haringey Independent in May last year that competing with venues like the O2 was not part of the plans for Alexandra Palace, but it is looking to carve out a role as a major concert arena.

She said she is “extremely proud” of her achievements since being appointed in December 2008, including a rebrand of the palace to attract more music and sports events.

Under her stewardship, concert deals have quadrupled, the palace said, and a £2.3m revamp of the indoor ice rink has been completed.

Mr Wilson said: “Rebecca leaves Alexandra Palace with an excellent commercial legacy in place, including that will play host to the largest of the Olympic houses - Holland Heineken House - during the Olympics.

“I wish Rebecca every success in her new role.”

It will now be his job to forge a plan to regenerate the palace and bring parts of it back into use. This will help managers to make the venue profitable and no longer reliant on public handouts.