TORONTO.- Josh Basseches, Director & CEO of the Royal Ontario Museum, announced today the appointment of Shyam Oberoi as Chief Digital Officer (CDO), responsible for overseeing the Museum’s digital and technology strategy. With extensive experience at two of North America’s major cultural institutions, Oberoi is well positioned for his new role.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Shyam Oberoi to the ROM,” said Josh Basseches. “Shyam’s in depth experience leading successful digital technology strategies in the cultural sector will be a great asset to the ROM as we continue to transform the Museum from the inside out. As CDO, Shyam will play an important role integrating digital thinking into all facets of the Museum – on site, off site and online, while fostering a culture of innovation and creativity that will contribute to our visitors’ exceptional Museum experiences.”

In addition to being responsible for implementing innovative technologies to deepen the connections between audiences and the Museum, the CDO will also oversee the development of the ROM’s technological capabilities and infrastructure. Oberoi joins the ROM from the Dallas Museum of Art where he was the Director of Technology and Digital Media. In that position, Oberoi oversaw the Museum’s digital and technical initiatives with responsibility for media creation, gallery interactives, electronic publishing and mobile experiences. Among his successes, he led a $9 million multi-year project to digitize the Museum’s entire collection. Previously, Oberoi spent nearly a decade at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where he was responsible for the Museum’s collection information services, digital asset management and related metadata and multimedia initiatives.

“During my career working in museums, I have had the privilege to be involved in some truly transformational projects,” said Oberoi. “I am thrilled to be joining the ROM team and to have the opportunity to use technology in innovative ways that will help enhance the audience experience and contribute to the ROM’s growing presence as a global cultural institution built for the 21st century.”

Oberoi is joining the ROM at a dynamic time as the Museum charts a new course for the future, developing and delivering relevant and high-impact programs and exhibitions in art, culture and nature to audiences at home and around the world.