Marc Mayer is stepping down as director and CEO of the National Gallery of Canada today to pursue new challenges, following a 10-year stint in the role.

During his tenure, Mayer has raised close to CA$29m (US$21.9m, €19.2m, £16.9m) for the gallery, led the renovation of the Canadian Pavilion in Venice and helped establish the Canadian Photography Institute (CPI) – a national photography research centre.

The Canadian National Gallery’s deputy directors, Anne Eschapasse and Julie Peckham, will now act as interim leaders until Mayer’s successor is named.

"I’m especially proud of pumping up the volume on all things indigenous. We’re playing a leadership role in the world here in Canada in recognising indigenous work. We talked about that since I first got here," said Mayer, reflecting on his 10 years in the role.

Looking forward, he added: "I’ve got a number of options. I’m definitely looking for another job."

Before leading the gallery, Mayer led a number of contemporary Canadian art institutions, such as the Canadian Cultural Centre in Paris, the Musée d’art Contemporain de Montréal and the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery in Toronto.

The National Gallery of Canada, located in the capital city of Ottawa, Ontario. It has a large collection of paintings, drawings, sculpture and photographs with a focus on Canadian art, although it also holds many noted American and European works.