The trust oversees the Melbourne Arts Centre (formerly known as the Victorian Arts Centre) and its venues and collections -- including the Theatres Building, Harmer Hall and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

Whiting, who has been a trustee of the arts centre since 2002, has been actively involved in the not-for-profit sector for many years, and she currently holds the roles of deputy chairman of the Victorian Major Events Company and is a director of the Royal Women's Hospital.

She has also previously served as vice president of the Melbourne International Arts Festival, chair of the Harold Mitchell Foundation, and as a director of the L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival, State Film Centre Council of Victoria, Melbourne International Film Festival and St Martins Youth Arts Centre.

Announcing Whiting's appointment, Victorian Arts Minister Lynne Kosky said: "Ms Whiting's professional background, corporate governance experience and extensive involvement across the arts, cultural and tourism sectors, will lead the arts centre through the important next stage of its development."