British Museum director Hartwig Fischer has said he will step down from his role, after treasures were stolen from the London institution.
In a statement, he said it was evident the museum “did not respond as comprehensively as it should have” when it was told about the thefts in 2021.
Mr Fischer also withdrew remarks he made earlier this week about the art dealer who first alerted museum bosses.
He said he expressed “sincere regret” over the “misjudged” comments.
The museum announced last week that it had sacked a member of staff after treasures were reported “missing, stolen or damaged”.
Earlier this week, Mr Fischer defended the museum’s investigation in 2021, when it had told antiques dealer Ittai Gradel that “all objects were accounted for”.
Mr Fischer said he had “reason to believe” Dr Gradel had withheld information on other missing items, a comment Dr Gradel said was “an outright lie”.
Dr Gradel told BBC News on Friday that Mr Fischer’s resignation was “the right thing to do, I think he should have done it sooner but I do accept his apology”.
Mr Fischer, who has held the position since 2016, said he would step down as soon as the museum’s board had found an replacement.
He had previously announced he would leave the position, but he was not due to depart until 2024.
Deputy Director Jonathan Williams has also agreed to step back from his normal duties until an independent review into the thefts at the Museum has concluded.
