London's National Theater Names New Director Rufus Norris, a veteran theater director, is to replace Nicholas Hytner as director of London's National Theater, the theater announced on Tuesday. Mr. Norris, 47, currently the associate director of the National, takes over what is widely regarded as one of the top management roles in British theater. He will preside over an institution which has three theaters, a multi-million dollar budget, and has drawn acclaim with productions like "One Man, Two Guvnors" and "War Horse." "The National is an extraordinary place, full of extraordinary people, and I look forward with relish to the task ahead - that being to fill our theaters with the most exciting, accessible and ground-breaking work our unique and broad community of artists has to offer," Mr. Norris said in a statement. Mr. Norris, who will take up the position in April 2015, has big shoes to fill. Touted as one of Britain's most successful cultural leaders of the decade, Mr. Hytner, who served as director for 12 years, is credited with expanding the National's audience and attracting a variety of ages groups from different economic and ethnic backgrounds. He has also supervised NT Live, which screens theater productions in cinemas. John Makinson, the chairman of the National Theater, said Mr. Norris had a creative reputation that would command respect in the world of British theater. "He is an exciting choice," he said. Born in 1965, Mr. Norris spent his childhood in Africa and Malaysia, and was an actor for several years before turning to directing. He has served as associate director at the National Theater since 2011. At the National, he directed "The Amen Corner" by James Baldwin, "Table" by Tanya Ronder, and "London Road" by Alecky Blythe and Adam Cork. He was previously associated director at the Young Vic. His debut film, "Broken" premiered at Cannes in 2012 and won Best Film at the British Independent Film Awards earlier this year.