Stephen Snoddy is to join Baltic, The Centre for Contemporary Art, in Gateshead, UK, as its new director in early March.

Formerly the director of the Milton Keynes Gallery, Snoddy succeeds Sune Nordgren, who has taken a post as founding director of the National Museum for Art, Architecture and Design in Norway.

Alan Smith, chair of the BALTIC board of trustees, spoke of his enthusiasm at Snoddy's appointment. "BALTIC is entering a fresh phase of progress, building on its first very successful year and a half since opening and we are very fortunate to have attracted someone of Stephen's reputation and exceptional abilities to take BALTIC forward to even greater achievements," he said.

Snoddy, who was born in Belfast, has worked in England since 1987 at the Arnolfini, Bristol, the Cornerhouse, Manchester, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

His experience includes developing young artists and working with a wide range of international artists, including Gilbert & George, Chris Ofili, Juan Munoz and Rachel Whiteread. He is currently chair of the jury for the new Comme Ca Art Prize North. Details: www.balticmill.com