The Peabody Essex Museum announced today that Dr. Brian P. Kennedy will step down from his position as the Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Director and CEO on December 31, 2020.

Stuart Pratt, Chair of the Board of Trustees said “Dr. Kennedy led the museum through the challenges associated with the pandemic crisis, began a strategic planning process, and continued work on diversity and inclusion. PEM is in a strong position moving forward, having opened a new Collections Center and a new Wing in 2019, completed many new and innovative installations of its collections, and successfully adapted to an entirely new COVID-19 operating environment."

Dr. Kennedy said “After thirty years in museum leadership on three continents, this current unprecedented period of racial, social, economic and political turmoil has given cause for serious thinking and new perspectives on the profound changes that are happening in our world and I have decided to pursue a new challenge. The Peabody Essex Museum has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent decades, and is now positioned for its next phase as a global museum that enriches its local, regional and national communities. It has been an honor to lead the museum and I am proud of the work we have done."

The Board will immediately form a Search Committee and begin the process of identifying a new Director and CEO. Robert M. Monk, Jr., PEM's Chief of Facilities Operations, Planning and Security, will lead the museum during the search for a new Executive Director.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Casey Sherman, SVP, Regan Communications Group
(781) 588-8816, csherman@regancomm.com