Kate ScotterA new director has stepped in to take over the reins at a prestigious art gallery.Kate Scotter

A new director has stepped in to take over the reins at a prestigious art gallery.

The world renowned Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts at the University of East Anglia (UEA) has appointed Paul Greenhalgh as its new director.

Formerly head of research at London's Victoria and Albert Museum, Dr Greenhalgh is currently director and president of the Corcoran Gallery of Art and College of Art and Design in Washington DC, one of the oldest arts institutions in America.

Dr Greenhalgh returns to the UK to take up his appointment at the Sainsbury Centre on November 1. He succeeds Nichola Johnson who is retiring after 14 years as director of the centre.

Prof Edward Acton, vice chancellor at UEA, said: 'The Sainsbury Centre is recognised as one of the foremost university museums and Paul Greenhalgh's skills and experience will help ensure it continues to build on its strengths and to stimulate and inspire through its varied work. We are confident that he will maintain the centre's momentum and development, and foster new opportunities and relationships, both national and international, that reflect its vision.'

He added that they were 'enormously grateful' to Ms Johnson for her work and wished her well in retirement.

As director, Dr Greenhalgh will be responsible for maintaining the 32-year-old centre's reputation for excellence and ensuring its intellectual vitality and financial viability. He said: 'I have long regarded the Sainsbury Centre as one of the most important places in Britain for the study and display of all forms of art. I am extremely excited and proud to be the next director.'