Lord Young of Graffham has been named as the new chair of the Jewish Museum London.

Following a long career in law, business and politics, Lord Young has held many positions within leading Jewish and cultural institutions.

He was chair of British ORT in the 1970's, a post he relinquished on joining the government, but became president of the World ORT Union in 1989.

He became chairman of the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies, chair of the Council of Jewish Social Services and the first president of Jewish Care on its formation in 1990 and is honorary president today.

Lord Young takes over from Robert Craig, who has been chair of the Museum since 2004 and has been appointed vice president. Mr. Craig led the Museum through the recent redevelopment project, which has tripled the space of the Museum and created new exhibition galleries and education facilities.

Rickie Burman, museum director said: "Lord Young's vision, energy and broad experience will make him an invaluable source of expertise for the Museum.

"His leadership will ensure that we continue to offer dynamic, high quality exhibitions, education and public programmes for our diverse audiences."