The Victorian Government has announced the appointment of philanthropist and long-standing supporter of the arts Bruce Parncutt has been appointed as the new President of the Council of Trustees of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).

 

Premier Ted Baillieu welcomed the appointment of Mr Parncutt, who has served as Chairman of the NGV Foundation since 2005, saying his extensive management experience would help bring the NGV into a new era.

 

“Bruce’s outstanding career history, coupled with his passion for the Gallery and his dedication and commitment to the arts, make him an ideal candidate as the next President of the NGV,” Mr Baillieu said.

 

“He is an active campaigner for the arts and as Chairman of the NGV Foundation, Bruce led the charge with the Masterpieces for Melbourne fundraising campaign, which between 2006 and 2011 raised $125 million for the gallery – a remarkable effort, particularly in the recent financial climate,” Mr Baillieu said.

 

Mr Parncutt, who is currently Chairman of corporate advisory firm Lion Capital, holds a Bachelor of Science from Melbourne University and a Master of Business Administration from Monash University. Mr Parncutt was a member of the Australian Stock Exchange for 19 years, from 1981 to 2000, including seven years as Chief Executive of listed securities firm McIntosh Securities and three years as Senior Vice President of Merrill Lynch.

 

Mr Parncutt takes up the role on 11 October 2012 from Allan Myers AO QC who has served as President since 2004.