14 Jun 2018
Leadership shakeup at SFMOMA as Robert Fisher chosen to lead institution
BY Tom Anstey
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) has announced several changes in its leadership, with Robert Fisher succeeding Charles Schwab at the head of the institution.
Serving as SFMOMA chair since 2007, Schwab led the institution through more than a decade of growth, including its landmark US$610m (€516m, £454m) expansion, which opened in 2016.
Fisher has acted as board president since 2010 and has been a trustee of the museum since 2003. He was a member of the Architect Selection Committee, the Collections Campaign Committee and Capital Campaign Committee for the SFMOMA expansion. He is also the current chair of clothing retailer Gap and was previously CEO of Banana Republic.
"Charles has been a tremendous role model, leader and friend for the past decade," said Fisher. "His enthusiasm, support and commitment have taken us from a very good museum to one thriving on the global stage. He leaves big shoes to fill, and I hope I can add to his legacy as the next chair of SFMOMA."
With Fisher's appointment leaving a space open for president, Diana Nelson will now assume the role, with Charles Collins taking over her position as vice chair. Nelson also serves as chair of Carlson – a privately held company that owns Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the world’s largest travel management company. Collins is president and CEO of the YMCA of San Francisco, which serves more than 183,000 children and adults in 14 major branches across the city.
The museum has also announced the appointments of Julie Mehretu, Kathryn A. Hall, Gina Peterson and Komal Shah to its Board of Trustees. Collectors Vicki and Kent Logan, who have donated more than 330 works to SFMOMA since 1997, have also joined the board as honorary trustees.
"The museum board has selected new leadership whom I know embrace the thrill and innovation of modern and contemporary art, and how it can help everyone see the world in fresh new ways," said Schwab, commenting on the appointments.
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