A new director and chief executive has been appointed at the Black Country Living Museum.

Andrew Lovett from Gateshead will replace Ian Walden OBE, who will retire after 33 years at the end of July.

The 42-year-old father-of-three is currently director of corporate resources and deputy director at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead.

Mr Lovett, who will take up the post on August 3, was previously general manager of Steam, the Great Western Railway Museum in Swindon and head of visitor services for York. He also worked for the Lake District National Park.

Black Country Living Museum chairman John Hughes said: “The museum is part way through an exciting expansion programme, and the museum director is the key role. I am confident that Andrew will do an excellent job in securing the future development of the Black Country Living Museum as a centre of curatorial excellence and a leading visitor attraction.”

Mr Walden said: “I am delighted Andrew Lovett is able to take up the post after I leave at the end of July, which will ensure continuity at this exciting and challenging time for the development of the Black Country Living Museum.”

The BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art is a major centre for international contemporary art.

It occupies a prime site on the south bank of the River Tyne and lies at the heart of the Gateshead Quays regeneration area. The £46m project has transformed the former Baltic Flour Mills, a disused 1950’s grain warehouse, into one of the biggest and best contemporary art spaces in Europe.

When father-of-one Mr Walden took the helm in 1975, he knew nothing about the Black Country but during the last three decades has worked to preserve its heritage for future generations.

This year has seen the opening of a new fish and chip shop, garage and visitor park – all part of the £10million Streets Ahead project, in which Mr Walden has played a key role.

More new buildings are planned as part of the new 1930s high street Old Birmingham Road but they will not be completed until after he retires.

He lists the opening of the Methodist chapel on the site in 1979 as one of his most memorable moments.

After he leaves the popular tourist attraction, he hopes to spend more time at the racing track.

The 63-year-old runs his son Graham’s Black Cat Racing team, which competes at motoring events held throughout the country.

He first caught the motor bug at the age of 16 and during the subsequent decades has become a skilled mechanic.

Mr Walden and his wife Val plan to spend time at their holiday home in southern Normandy.