The Australian Museum went beyond its tradition for more than 180 years as it appointed its first female director, Kim McKay.

Ms McKay also became the first museum director without any formal scientific qualifications.

She will start her five-year term on April, according to NSW Arts Minister George Souris.

Mr Souris was particularly impressed about Ms McKay's previous senior international roles with National Geographic as well as effectively managing her own consulting firm.

"I congratulate Kim McKay on her appointment to this exciting and challenging role at one of the state's major cultural institutions. Kim will bring more than 25 years' global experience in communicating and promoting science, cultural history, exploration, and the environment to her role. She has been extensively involved in the science, cultural history, environmental and tourism sectors in Australia and internationally, working to promote the role of citizen science and actively engaging the public in education, research and social innovation initiatives," Mr Souris said.

"She will provide strong leadership for the Australian Museum, bringing strategic expertise and significant experience to the task of increasing its funding base and visitor numbers, while championing the core science role of the institution," he added.

Catherine Livingstone, Australian Museum Board of Trustees president, said that a long independent international search for the most competent director conducted before Ms McKay was chosen.

"Ms McKay has significant experience and an international reputation for achievement across a range of sectors and a commitment to driving the profile and activities of the Australian Museum forward. The Board of Trustees looks forward to working with her to lead the ambitious plans for the evolution of the Australian Museum, as well as raising its profile in Australia and internationally," Ms Livingstone said.

Notable background to Ms McKay's qualifications was that she was a co-founder for Clean-Up Australia. She had been living in Sydney running Momentum 2, a social and sustainability marketing and communications consultancy. Momentum2 had managed local media and stakeholder relations for Oprah's Ultimate Australian Adventure on behalf of Harpo Productions.

Ms McKay had also been a regular media commentator on practical environmental action and a public speaker on business topics, not-for-profits and community groups on her experiences.