Image: The appointment comes into effect in October

Kirk Johnson has been named director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) in Washington, DC, with effect from 29 October.

It comes after Cristián Samper announced his decision to step down from the role to become president and CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York City.

Johnson is to join NMNH from his current position of chief curator and vice president of research and collections at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

In his new role with the natural history attraction, Johnson will oversee a collection of more than 126 million specimens and artefacts, as well as more than 460 employees.

Smithsonian secretary Wayne Clough said: "Kirk brings an established national and international reputation as a top scientist, educator and museum administrator to NMNH."

NMNH associate director for research and collections Jonathan Coddington will fulfil the role of acting director until Johnson's arrival.

Click here for more information on the appointment of Kirk Johnson as NMNH director.