Managing Director Marco Grob steps down

After seventeen years, Marco Grob is moving to the Kröller-Müller Museum, where he will take up the position of Managing Director and Executive Board Member on 1 May 2026, forming the museum’s joint leadership team with Benno Tempel.

During his time at the Centraal Museum Foundation, which encompasses the Centraal Museum, the Miffy Museum and the Rietveld Schröder House, Grob guided the organisation through a period of major change and growth. He led the Centraal Museum through several extensive renovations, laid the groundwork for the repositioning and expansion of the Miffy Museum, and played a key role in the professionalisation and transition to independence of the Centraal Museum Foundation. Under his leadership, the museum organisation developed into a financially sound and future-proof institution. In his role, Grob was closely involved in Utrecht’s arts and cultural sector, including as chair of the Association of Utrecht Museums (2016–present) and as a board member of Centrum Management Utrecht (2017–2024).

“I had a fantastic time at the Centraal Museum. I thoroughly enjoyed working with colleagues, associates and partners in Utrecht and beyond. I am proud that our museums now attract more than 400,000 visitors a year, supported by a strong organization and people who enjoy working there. I am also pleased that, from my position, I was able to contribute to Utrecht’s appeal as a city of art and culture. I look forward to bringing these experiences to my new role at the Kröller-Müller Museum.”

Marco Grob, former Managing Director of the Centraal Museum Foundation

The Supervisory Board and the artistic director express their appreciation for his dedication and commitment.

"We warmly congratulate both Marco Grob and the Kröller-Müller Museum on this appointment. Marco has made a significant contribution to the Centraal Museum, the Miffy Museum and the Rietveld Schröder House. Together with artistic director Bart Rutten, he has succeeded in maximizing the museum’s social impact in recent years. Under his leadership, the museum’s transition to independence was also a success. The Supervisory Board could always rely on his tenacious and expert approach. He leaves behind a robust organization where people enjoy working. We will miss his unwavering enthusiasm and curiosity about everything and everyone connected with the museum, but of course we wish him every success and enjoyment in this new challenge. ”

Henriëtte Post, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Centraal Museum Foundation

“I’m happy for Marco and the Kröller-Müller Museum. In Marco, they are gaining an experienced director to lead an organisation facing a major renovation project. At the same time, his departure marks the end of eight years of close collaboration as equals, characterised by mutual trust and a clear division of responsibilities. The museum is in a strong position, so as he leaves, I can also look ahead with confidence to a future with new ideas and perspectives.”

Bart Rutten, Artistic Director of the Centraal Museum

Everyone at Stichting Centraal Museum wishes Marco Grob every success and fulfilment in his new role. The search for a successor will begin shortly.