Managing director Karin van Gilst leaves the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

As Managing Director, Karin van Gilst has successfully led the Stedelijk Museum since it reopened five years ago. First in conjunction with artistic director Ann Goldstein, then alone for eighteen months, and has worked alongside director Beatrix Ruf for the past three years.

Van Gilst was instrumental in professionalizing the Stedelijk’s operational and organisational processes. Her achievements include the formation of the successful Young Stedelijk and the Stedelijk Museum Foundation, which provides the museum with financial support. She was also jointly responsible for facilitating the production of internationally important exhibitions such as Kazimir Malevich and the Russian avant-garde, Marlene Dumas: The Image as Burden, and The Oasis of Matisse, which was the most visited exhibition in the history of the museum.

Karin van Gilst: ‘This feels like a natural moment to say farewell. The organization is entering a new phase. The artistic direction has now taken shape, in September we celebrate five years since our reopening, and will also unveil our newly refurbished entrance area. A roster of key exhibitions is planned for the years ahead, and Beatrix Ruf is thoroughly familiar with all aspects of the museum. I am confident that I am leaving the museum in capable hands.’

Cees de Bruin, the current Chairman of the Supervisory Board, praises Karin van Gilst’s achievements: ‘She brought clarity, confidence and success to the museum at a vital stage after the reopening. She worked tirelessly with the team to ensure the Stedelijk achieved its goal of once more becoming the place for modern and contemporary art in the Netherlands.’