Vaughan to head National Gallery
Gerard Vaughan will take over the director's role at the National Gallery of Australia.
Professor Vaughan was a director of the National Gallery of Victoria for 13 years and also led the British Museum Development Trust.
He takes over at the NGA from Ron Radford, who left the role last month.
Federal Arts Minister George Brandis thanked Dr Radford for his illustrious contribution to the artistic life of Australia, saying he left an impressive legacy at the gallery.
Senator Brandis lauded Professor Vaughan's outstanding record of leadership, stakeholder engagement, fundraising and cultural diplomacy.
"I welcome Professor Vaughan's vision and enthusiasm for the gallery," he said on Thursday in a statement.
This vision includes further strengthening the gallery's role as a leader in scholarship and research, forging stronger diplomatic ties in the South East Asia and Pacific region, and increasing access to the nation's major art collection.
The gallery was at the centre of controversy recently over its purchase of a 900-year-old Dancing Shiva statue from a disgraced art dealer.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott returned the statue to India in September.
Professor Vaughan will start his three-year appointment on November 10.
