Glenbow has announced a significant leadership transition as President and CEO Nicholas Bell prepares to take on the role of Director and CEO at the Royal Ontario Museum. This change will take effect following Bell’s departure from Glenbow on May 31, 2026. Since joining Glenbow in 2019, Bell has been instrumental in driving the museum’s ambitious initiatives and transformations.
Under Bell’s stewardship, Glenbow embarked on the $205 million Glenbow Reimagined project, which aims to revitalize the museum’s facilities, originally constructed over 50 years ago. This project will culminate in the reopening of the museum as the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture. Additionally, Bell established the JR Shaw Free Admission Endowment, a pioneering initiative that will offer free general admission to all visitors, marking a first for major museums in Canada.
Lori Van Rooijen, Chair of the Glenbow Board of Governors, expressed gratitude for Bell’s contributions during his tenure. “The Board is deeply grateful to Nicholas for his leadership during this significant chapter in Glenbow’s history,” she stated. Van Rooijen highlighted that Bell’s appointment to the Royal Ontario Museum underscores the strength of Glenbow’s vision and the success of the Glenbow Reimagined campaign.
The transition to new leadership will see Melanie Kjorlien stepping in as President and CEO. Van Rooijen assured stakeholders that Kjorlien’s experience and steady leadership will help maintain Glenbow’s momentum as the museum prepares for its reopening. “This appointment reflects the Board’s long-standing succession planning and commitment to leadership continuity,” she added.
Kjorlien’s role will involve ensuring that the ongoing projects and initiatives at Glenbow are completed successfully, including the future public program that encompasses exhibitions and visitor experiences. Her leadership will also focus on advancing operational readiness and building an engaged and inclusive workforce.
The leadership transition is poised to position both Glenbow and the Royal Ontario Museum for continued success, with each institution benefitting from the strategic planning and vision laid out during Bell’s tenure. As both museums navigate their respective futures, the impact of these leadership changes will be closely observed by stakeholders and the public alike.
