A Southwark Cathedral Canon who was born and raised in Hong Kong has been named as the new Dean of Gloucester.

The King has approved the appointment of Andrew Zihni as the 39th Dean of Gloucester's historic Cathedral and he will be installed in April.

A Gloucester Cathedral spokesperson said: "Andrew is currently Canon Precentor at Southwark Cathedral, a role he has held since January 2021."

"Prior to this, he was Assistant Director of Vocations in the Diocese of Southwark and Honorary Minor Canon at Southwark Cathedral. As Dean of Gloucester, Andrew will lead all aspects of the Cathedral's day-to-day life, ensuring it continues to be a beacon of hope for all, now and for generations to come.

Canon Zihni said "I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the 39th Dean of Gloucester, following Stephen Lake's faithful tenure over the past eleven years.

"Having grown up in the Far East with family roots in the Mediterranean, Hong Kong and Thailand, I have a passionate interest in fostering diversity, in sharing hospitality, and in building strong relationships.

"As I come to Gloucester Cathedral, the call to strengthen our commitment to diversity and social justice, to take the Cathedral community deeper into prayer and worship, to grow our work with young people, and to engage with the city and the wider diocese as a beacon of hope fills me with a real sense of Gospel joy.

"I am much looking forward to the privilege of working with Bishop Rachel (the Bishop of Gloucester, Right Rev Rachel Treweek), the Cathedral Chapter, the Bishop's Staff Team, and colleagues both in the Cathedral and the Diocese, and to journeying with the whole Cathedral community as we seek to fulfil our vocation of being in tune with heaven and in touch with daily life."

Right Revd Treweek, who was the first woman in the Church of England to be appointed a Diocesan Bishop, said: "I am delighted that Andrew is to be the next Dean of Gloucester.

"At a time where there has been much coming and going regarding leadership at the Cathedral, it is wonderful to now have Andrew's arrival on the horizon. He brings a rich diversity of experience from his life and ministry which will be a gift not only to the life of the Cathedral and Diocese, but also to the City of Gloucester and the different communities across the geographical span of the Diocese of Gloucester.

"Andrew is a man of deep faith and vision. I am greatly looking forward to working with him alongside Cathedral and Diocesan colleagues as he builds on the past and all that we celebrate and value, and as he brings new energy and vision to the shaping of the future, firmly rooted in his faith in Jesus Christ and his desire for all people to know the transforming love of God."

The Very Revd Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark, said: "We are delighted for Gloucester Cathedral and for Andrew that he has been appointed as the new Dean. In his time at Southwark Cathedral as both an Honorary Minor Canon and latterly as Canon Precentor, Andrew has brough a huge amount to our life and he will be very sadly missed.

"We are certain that the people of Gloucester will love him as much as the people of Southwark have."

The Gloucester Cathedral spokesperson added: "There will be a special service of Choral Evensong at 5.30pm today (Jan 19), held in the Quire of Gloucester Cathedral. This will be an opportunity to welcome Andrew and give thanks for his new ministry, and all are warmly invited to attend.

"Andrew will be formally installed as the new Dean of Gloucester in April this year, and further details will be provided in due course. Until then, The Right Revd Robert Springett, Bishop of Tewkesbury, will be Interim Dean of Gloucester. All at Gloucester Cathedral and the Diocese of Gloucester very much look forward to welcoming Andrew.

Andrew spent his early life in Hong Kong, before moving to the UK with his family. He trained for ordination at St Stephen's House, Oxford, and was ordained Deacon in 2002 and Priest in 2003.

He began his ordained ministry in the former mining town of Goldthorpe in South Yorkshire, before moving to St George's Chapel, Windsor, where he was a Minor Canon and School Chaplain. Andrew then moved to Southwark, where he was Assistant Director of Vocations in the Diocese of Southwark and Honorary Minor Canon at Southwark Cathedral before becoming Canon Precentor in January 2021.

He was also a Priest Vicar at Westminster Abbey from 2018 to 2021. He will move to Gloucester soon after Easter.