The Art Fund, which makes grants to support museums and galleries, has appointed Jenny Waldman as its next chief executive.
Waldman was previously the director of 14-18 NOW, which was the UK’s official arts programme for the centenary of the First World War.
Waldman will replace Stephen Deuchar, who announced in September that he would step down after 10 years “to try new things”. He will leave on 31 March.
As well as her time at the helm of 14-18 NOW, Waldman was also creative producer of the London 2012 Festival and was previously public programmes consultant to the Somerset House Trust, where she worked between 1999 and 2011.
Waldman, who will take up the role in April, is also a member of the Barbican Centre board and chair of the arts charity Artangel.
She said: “It’s a great honour and very exciting to join Art Fund at this point in its 117-year history.
“Art Fund plays a crucial role in supporting museums and galleries across the UK, and the opportunity to build on the impressive work that Stephen Deuchar and his team have done over the past decade is inspiring.”
Lord Smith, chair of Art Fund, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Jenny will lead Art Fund into its next phase of development.
“She joins a thriving organisation with an expanding membership and ever-increasing influence in the UK arts and museums sector.
“Her experience of working with artists and museums, and her outstanding track record at a national level, will be invaluable as we take on the challenges of the future.”