Controversial museum director resigns after 12 years

Keld Møller Hansen is stepping down as director of Museum Sydøstdanmark after 12 years in the role, following a legal dispute which he lost against politician Githa Nelander. He had accused Nelander of defamation based on citizen reports criticizing the museum’s environment and financial practices. After Nelander was acquitted, Hansen decided it was the right time to resign, citing negative media attention. The museum’s board supported his decision, agreeing it was timely, and covered his legal expenses amounting to 483,000 kroner. Camilla Wang, chair of the museum’s board, praised Hansen’s contributions and expressed the aim to appoint a new director by year’s end, with Kristoffer Rosner Rydahl serving as interim director. Hansen has not announced his future plans.