TORONTO.- Following a decade of transformational leadership, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) today announced that Stephan Jost has decided to step down as the Michael and Sonja Koerner Director and CEO effective December 31, 2026.

Jost will continue to focus on the successful 2027 opening of the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery, which will add 40,000 square feet of gallery space to display the AGO’s growing collection of modern and contemporary art.

“Over the summer, I reflected on arriving at the AGO 10 years ago and establishing the Strategic Plan we call AGO 2028. I realized that we have met our goals ahead of schedule. Now is the time to set the AGO up for the future with new leadership,” said Stephan Jost, Michael and Sonja Koerner Director and CEO, AGO. “When I look ahead to the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery opening in 2027, I am proud to say the building will be spectacular, as it has been designed by a team of world-class architects and has a leading construction firm to keep the project on track. The project is fully funded through the generosity of the Provincial and Federal governments, and strong support from our broader community and leadership donors. Our opening curatorial plan, which includes over 400 works of art from the AGO’s collection -- many of which have never been on view -- is complete. I think it is important that a new Director be in place for the opening of the building. This new space represents a generational gift to Canada and the world and I can’t wait to attend the opening. I am so proud to have worked alongside an incredibly talented and dedicated staff, Board, volunteer team, and partners. The AGO’s future looks bright and I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to this success.”

Jost catalyzed strong growth for the AGO, establishing a significant broadening and deepening of the permanent collection with over 18,000 additional works of art accessioned into the collection, and developing exhibitions and programs that have resonated locally and toured globally. He has also dramatically expanded access to the AGO through the introduction of the AGO Annual Pass and free admission for Ontario residents under 25. Today, the AGO’s audience reflects the wonderful diversity and energy of Toronto and has among the largest membership of any art museum in the Americas, at over 200,000 individuals.





On behalf of the AGO Board of Trustees, its Co-Presidents reflected on his tenure and his accomplishments.

"Stephan has transformed the AGO over the past decade. The collection is broader, deeper and more inclusive, the audience is younger and more diverse. His leadership of the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery project – fully funded and on track – is his legacy and will have a lasting impact,” said Co-President Beth Horowitz.

Added Co-President Liza Mauer, “We are grateful to have had a decade with Stephan and we are supportive of his decision to move on to his next opportunities. As we celebrate his lasting impact, we are also thankful that Stephan has thoughtfully given us time to conduct a search before the opening of the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery.”

An interim leadership structure will be put in place and the AGO will commence a global search for a new Director and CEO.