Gallery announces new boss

Humphrey Clegg is Geelong Gallery's new director and CEO. (Supplied)

Geelong Gallery’s board has announced its new director and chief executive.

Humphrey Clegg will take over the role from Jason Smith, who has left to become director of the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Mr Clegg has spent the last four years as assistant director at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, and over the last 20 years has had senior roles at the National Gallery of Victoria and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation.

Geelong Gallery president Eliza Holt said Mr Clegg’s vision and proven ability to fundraise made him “an outstanding choice to lead the gallery into its next chapter”.

“Humphrey’s experience and curatorial background will be invaluable as the gallery continues to build on its rich legacy of artistic excellence through the growth of its collection and delivering excellent exhibition programs,” Ms Holt said.

“Humphrey is a leader in the arts industry and has exceptional strategic and philanthropic acumen.

“The board looks forward to working with Humphrey as he leads the gallery at this exciting time in its history.”

Mr Clegg said the Geelong Gallery was “one of the finest in the country” and it was “a great privilege” to lead it into its next phase.

“I am especially looking forward to working with the board and the team to make it a place where the whole community feels welcome and can experience the work of the most inspiring artists and designers from around Australia and beyond,” Mr Clegg said.

“Geelong is a growing international city, and I know we can play an important role in the city’s very bright future.”

Mr Clegg will officially commence his role as director and chief executive of Geelong Gallery

on Monday, April 7.