Peabody Essex Museum CEO To Depart At End Of 2020

SALEM, MA — Peabody Essex Museum will be under new leadership in 2021 after the museum announced Tuesday that Brian Kennedy will leave his position as Chief Executive Officer after 18 months.

While Kennedy did not give a reason for his departure, he said in a statement the museum is "now positioned for its next phase as a global museum that enriches its local, regional and national communities.

"It has been an honor to lead the museum and I am proud of the work we have done."

Kennedy joined the museum in July 2019.

"Brian helped lead the Peabody Essex Museum through a period of significant transition and challenge," Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said in a statement. "While I am sorry that he has moved onto new endeavors, I am hopeful that Brian's strong work at PEM as a leader who prioritized community engagement and forward thinking will endure as the museum looks to hire their next director and CEO."

The PEM Board of Directors will form a search committee for the next CEO.

"PEM has been an important partner in the remarkable transformation of our city over the last two decades and the growing prosperity of our community is reflected in the growing stature and reputation of PEM," Driscoll said. "From a small group of sea captains and merchants, to a world renowned museum of art, culture, and history, PEM's growth echoes our own.

"I'm grateful for the role Brian played in making that progress possible and I look forward to working with PEM's leadership to ensure that forward momentum is preserved and expanded upon in the years ahead."