Brian Kennedy has been named as the new director of the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio, US.

Kennedy is currently the director of the Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College, and will begin in his new role on 1 September.

Kennedy has been at the Hood Museum of Art since 2005. Previously, he served as director of the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra (1997-2004) and assistant director of the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin (1989-1997).

"Brian is well recognized internationally as an exciting young director," said Betsy Brady, chair of the board of directors.

Kennedy is a member of the Association of Art Museum Directors, American Association of Museums, and the International Association of Art Critics. He was chair of the Irish Association of Art Historians from 1996-1997 and the Council of Australian Art Museum Directors, 2001-2003.