Brian Kennedy departs the Peabody Essex Museum on Dec. 31. (Courtesy Toledo Museum of Art)
The Peabody Essex Museum announced Tuesday that Brian P. Kennedy will leave his position as director and CEO of the institution on Dec. 31. Kennedy was hired in March 2019 and stepped into the role in July 2019.
The museum s announcement offers no reason for his abrupt departure. The board will form a committee to search for PEM s next director and CEO.
“After 30 years in museum leadership on three continents, this unprecedented period has given me insight and perspective into the profound changes that are happening in the world and I have decided to pursue a new challenge, Kennedy said in a statement. 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.