The Metropolitan Museum of Art has named Briton Thomas P. Campbell as its new director e

ight months after its longest-serving director announced plans to retire.

Campbell is curator in the museum's Department of European Sculpture and Decorative Arts. He will start his new job as the museum's ninth director and chief executive on Jan. 1.

In January, previous director Philippe de Montebello announced plans to retire by the end of 2008. The 72-year-old took over the 138-year-old museum in 1977.