TORONTO – The Art Gallery of Ontario has announced Michigan native Stephan Jost as its new director and CEO.

Jost replaces Matthew Teitelbaum, who left his post in June to become director of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

Jost has been director of the Honolulu Museum of Art since 2011.

The AGO says he’ll start his new position in Toronto this spring, pending governmental approval of authorization to work in Canada.

The 47-year-old is credited with several achievements at the HoMA, including merging two galleries, balancing the budget and expanding education programs.

The AGO calls him “a warm and engaging leader who has built upon the successes of each institution he has led.”

“He is focused on artistic excellence, passionate about ensuring accessibility of art, committed to community engagement, and is deeply respected among his peers and colleagues,” said Maxine Granovsky Gluskin, president of the AGO board of trustees, in a statement.

Jost said he’s thrilled to be joining “one of North America’s preeminent art museums.”

“The energy and diversity of Toronto is exciting, and the city is well positioned to be a true global leader,” he said.

Jost’s official title at the AGO is the Michael and Sonja Koerner director and CEO.