Minister for the Arts, Peter Garrett, announced the appointment of Mr Peter Dexter AM as Chair of the Australian National Maritime Museum Council.

"I am very pleased to announce that Mr Peter Dexter AM has agreed to serve as Chair of the Council of the Australian National Maritime Museum for a period of three years," Mr Garrett said.

"Mr Dexter's extensive, high-level experience across the maritime and marine sector will greatly benefit the important work of the Council.

"He is currently Chairman of Wilh. Wilhelmsen Investments Pty Ltd, and SeaSwift Pty Ltd, Non-Executive Director of POAGs Pty Ltd and Wilhelmsen Ships Service Pty Ltd, as well as serving on the Australian National Maritime Museum Foundation.

"Previously, Mr Dexter was Regional Director, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics and currently serves the company as its Oceania Chairman as well as performing the role of Honorary Consul-General of Norway in New South Wales.

"Mr Dexter has an excellent range of experience to draw on in this critical role, particularly as the Museum undertakes an exciting new redevelopment of an education and public programs facility", Mr Garrett said.

Mr Dexter replaces the outgoing Chair of the Australian National Maritime Museum, Mr Peter Sinclair AM CSC, who was appointed to the role in 2007.

"I would like to extend my appreciation to Mr Sinclair for his service over the last three years and recognise his important contribution to the work of the Australian National Maritime Museum's Council," Mr Garrett said.

The role of the Australian National Maritime Museum is to promote a broad interpretation of maritime heritage and culture, to preserve it and bring it to life.

For more information about the Australian National Maritime Museum visit: www.anmm.gov.au .