The new director of the V&A Dundee has said it is a “huge privilege” to be appointed.
Leonie Bell, who was born in Dundee and grew up in Fife, will take over the helm at the design museum.
She replaces Philip Long, who led the planning of the £80 million attraction through to its opening in September 2018. Mr Long recently left to take over the role of chief executive of National Trust for Scotland.
Ms Bell will leave her position at the Future Paisley Partnership at Renfrewshire Council, where she led the UK City of Culture Bid.
She said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed director of V&A Dundee.
“I am looking forward to working with the board, the team, the museum’s partners and the people of Dundee to further establish V&A Dundee as a world class design museum for Scotland.
“Like so many, I have watched V&A Dundee flourish in its first two years, and it is a huge privilege to lead the museum into its next phase.”
Ms Bell began her career at Glasgow 1999: UK City of Architecture & Design before becoming programme director at The Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for Architecture, Design & the City.
She has also worked at the Scottish Government, where she developed the country’s first cultural strategy in more than 1o years. She also led the cultural programmes for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Tim Allan, chairman of V&A Dundee’s board, said: “We are delighted that Leonie has accepted this leading role at V&A Dundee, leading its awakening from the covid-19 lockdown into a new era.
“She is a very experienced, charismatic leader with a passionate background in design and what it can do for communities and places as well as enhancing our position in the world.
“She has real authenticity, knowledge, energy and understanding of the museum, its importance to Dundee and Scotland, and of the cultural sector in Scotland and the UK.”
Ms Bell was also welcomed by Dundee City Council leader John Alexander, who said: “This is a fantastic appointment for both V&A Dundee and the city and I wish Leonie all the best in her work for the future.
“Our design museum has played an integral part in Dundee’s ambitious transformation. I am excited about the next stages of its development to engage with local communities and attract visitors to the city.
“V&A Dundee and our cultural sector are crucial to the city’s recovery as we move out of lockdown.
“I am heartened by the determination that these partners are showing to meet the challenges we are facing.”
