Academy of Art University’s Automobile Museum Appoints CEO

Academy of Art University has welcomed Rob Fisher as CEO of its Automobile Museum, located on the corner of Van Ness Avenue and Washington Street in San Francisco.

Currently accessible by appointment only, Fisher has been brought on to transform the museum into a non-profit, world-class destination that will be open to the public and represent the legacy of the collection and the Academy’s long-term commitment to education and the City of San Francisco, according to a press release.

“This is truly a dream job for me,” said Fisher. “It’s an incredible opportunity to take on the legacy created by (Richard A. Stephens, former Academy of Art University president) and begin a new journey that will take the museum to the next level. The Academy’s auto collection is on par with the finest museums in the world-but it’s been a secret! We are going to change that. Watch this space.”

Combining global sales leadership and business development for VC-backed and Fortune 500 corporations with a lifelong passion for automobiles, Fisher brings a combination of diverse business acumen and love for all things automotive, the release stated. He has an extensive background with collection, restoration and display of vintage cars and has also been an avid vintage racer.

Additionally, he recently retired as the chairman of the Hillsborough Concours d’Elegance after heading the event for eight years.

“Carrying on my father’s automotive legacy is extremely important to me and my family. I believe Rob has the leadership, vision, and expertise to create an extraordinary facility that will seamlessly synthesize the core elements of history, design and education,” said Dr. Elisa Stephens, president of the Academy of Art University.

Opened in 2012, Richard Stephens originally built the collection of rare and classic vehicles so the Academy’s students could study their design and apply it to their own artistic pursuits. Additionally, the school offers classes in automotive restoration that are housed in the museum buildings.