The National Gallery of Canada has appointed Art Gallery of Ontario European art curator Alexandra Suda as its new director.

Coming in as the successor to the outgoing Marc Mayer, Suda has “extensive experience in building and managing successful teams, conceiving and executing collaborative exhibition projects, building collections, and stewarding gallery supporters”, according to a gallery statement.

Suda steps in as the fourth female director of the gallery in its history and the 11th director in total.

She will assume the position on 18 April 2019 and will continue in the role for a five-year term, having been appointed under a new Canadian government directive aiming for gender parity and diversity to be considered when recruiting.

"A thrilling adventure awaits us – one that builds on a rich tradition, a world-class collection, and the dedication of the institution’s incredible staff," said Suda.

"Human creativity is mankind’s most powerful and sustainable resource – without it we do not stand a chance negotiating the present, let alone creating a future that we cannot see.

"Artists are the greatest reminder that the human imagination is limitless; art museums ensure that their ideas and perspectives are cared for and amplified for years to come."

Françoise Lyon, chair of the Board of Trustees at the National Gallery of Canada added: "We are honoured and pleased to have Dr Suda lead our team.

"She is not only an internationally recognised curator who has organised award-winning exhibitions with record-breaking attendance, but she is also an engaging and inspirational leader and team builder who has collaborated with collectors, curators and other museum stakeholders throughout her career.

"This is an exciting time for the gallery as it approaches its 140th anniversary. We look forward to working with Dr Suda as she fulfils the gallery’s mandate and develops new opportunities for one of Canada’s most respected cultural institutions."