NEW YORK, NY.- Following an extensive national search, The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced today that Paul Pineau has been appointed as General Counsel and Secretary, effective March 10. Pineau most recently served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Johns Hopkins University. He will succeed Sharon Cott, who is retiring after 37 years at The Met.

Met Director and CEO Hollein commented: “We are delighted to welcome Paul Pineau to The Met. He brings exemplary legal skills and expertise, with demonstrated success in providing strategic leadership and counsel amid complex challenges. His thoughtful approach will be an invaluable asset to the Museum, and we are confident that Paul will be a strong partner in advancing the Museum’s mission and institutional goals. We would also like to extend our deepest appreciation and admiration to Sharon Cott for her extensive and remarkable contributions to The Met, which have laid a strong foundation for the future.”

As General Counsel and Secretary, Pineau will serve as the principal legal officer for The Met, with overall responsibility for the leadership of the Museum’s legal function. Reporting to Max Hollein, Pineau will be a strategic legal advisor and counselor on a diverse range of legal matters. The role also serves as Secretary to The Met’s Board of Trustees.

Pineau commented: “I am elated to join The Met at this important time for the Museum. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues on fulfilling the Museum’s mission.”

Pineau has been at Johns Hopkins University for the past 10 years, providing counsel on a wide range of legal and compliance issues for this major, international research institution. Highlights of his career there include working on governance issues for the University and its Board of Trustees, supporting the institution's research mission, navigating complex capital projects, partnering with human resources on key employee initiatives, and working to protect faculty members' intellectual property and academic freedom. Prior to Johns Hopkins, he served as Chief of Staff and Special Assistant State’s Attorney in the Office of the State's Attorney for Baltimore City. Outside of work, Paul has served on the boards of several non-profits, including ones focused on LGBTQ+ rights, education, and addiction treatment. He holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School, as well as a B.A. from Davidson College.