The Somerset House Trust has announced the appointment of Gwyn Miles – formerly director of projects and estate at the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) – as its new director.

Miles held various positions at the V&A since joining in 1985, including surveyor of collections and head of major projects.

In 2001, she was instrumental in developing the new masterplan for the museum, which is currently being implemented.

Miles will take up the Somerset House role on 3 January 2006, succeeding Diana Hansen who retires at the end of the year after almost four years in post.

Photograph: Gywn Miles, PA/Matt Faber