The Vancouver Art Gallery has announced the permanent appointment of Eva Respini and Sirish Rao as co-CEOs.
Respini and Rao's appointment follows their year of service as interim co-CEOs, with the new shared leadership model designed to advance the museum's artistic ambition, operational resilience and global reach.
During the past year, Respini and Rao have strengthened the gallery's financial position, deepened its commitment to art, artists and the community, and established a new vision for the institution's future.
Shared leadership model
"Eva and Sirish have demonstrated exceptional leadership distinguished by shared purpose," said Jon Stovell, chair of the board of trustees.
"They each bring different but deeply complementary perspectives to the gallery, and together, they are expanding our sense of what the Vancouver Art Gallery can be and the role it can play in the 21st century."
Respini will now serve as co-CEO and chief curator, while Rao will serve as co-CEO and executive director.
Respini will lead the gallery's artistic vision, including exhibition strategy, collection development, curatorial partnerships, and the building expansion project.
Rao will oversee operations, earned revenue and finance, as well as community outreach, institutional partnerships, and interdisciplinary programming.
New vision for the future
"I am honoured to co-lead the gallery with Eva at this pivotal moment," said Rao.
"She brings a truly thrilling international perspective that is shaped by her experience at some of the world’s leading museums, along with a global network of artists and curators that creates new possibilities for Vancouver."
Respini said: "Sirish is an extraordinary partner, and I am delighted to continue our co-leadership.
"He brings a deep commitment to community and an understanding of Vancouver’s unique place in the Pacific, building relationships across the Asia-Pacific that are opening new opportunities for the gallery."
