The Whakatane District Council has appointed Eric Holowacz as the new director of the Whakatane Museum.
Mr Holowacz is currently the executive director of the Sedona Arts Centre and campus in Arizona in the United States.
Whakatane Council acting chief executive David Bewley said Mr Holowacz had diverse international experience in cultural management, creative community development, festivals, cultural facilities, and non-profit executive leadership.
"Prior to his current role, Eric was the president and chief executive of Louisana's capital city Arts Council," Mr Bewley said.
"Eric has also worked in Australia as the arts and culture manager for Mildura Rural City Council and was producer and director of the Cairns Cultural Festival for three years.