Nicholas Cullinan: energetic leader tasked with British Museum overhaul

After overseeing a transformation of the National Portrait Gallery he will need to draw on that experience in his new role

• British Museum appoints new director after alleged thefts scandal

Nicholas Cullinan, who has been appointed as the new director of the British Museum, was seen as the favourite for the job due to his reputation in the art world as an energetic leader.

As the director of the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) since 2015, the 46-year-old art historian and curator oversaw the most ambitious redevelopment in the institution's history, a 41.3m refurbishment and rehang of its collection.