The former mill was transformed into a �46m art complex

American Peter Doroshenko is the third director of the venue which opened in July 2002 after a former warehouse was transformed in a �46m project.

He succeeds former director Stephen Snoddy, who announced he was stepping down in November 2004.

Mr Doroshenko, 43, was until recently director of Belgium's largest contemporary art gallery S.M.A.K.

Unanimous choice

Baltic chairman Sir Ian Wrigglesworth said: "I am delighted we have been able to appoint someone with such a distinguished background and excellent qualifications to the post.

"Peter was the unanimous choice of the board and his appointment marks the start of a new and exciting phase in Baltic's development."

Mr Doroshenko, who is originally from Chicago, has also been director of visual arts at the University of Wisconsin and senior curator at the Contemporary Arts Museum, in Houston, Texas.

He said: "Baltic has established itself by making a truly outstanding contribution to contemporary art on an international stage.

"I am excited and proud to be offered this opportunity to continue to develop Baltic's unique activities."