Smithsonian Business Executive Resigns
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WASHINGTON — Gary Beer, the founding chief executive of the Smithsonian’s business unit and architect of a controversial deal with Showtime Networks Inc., has announced plans to leave amid internal and congressional inquiries into his management, expense account, and promotions of a female subordinate. Mr. Beer told staff in an e-mail late yesterday that he will not attempt to renew his contract in September as chief executive of seven-year-old Smithsonian Business Ventures. The unit, known internally as SBV, runs museum gift shops, restaurants, theaters, and other profit-making ventures.
“As the Institution reassesses the balance in public and private sectors going forward, I believe this is an opportune time for a change,” he said in the e-mail.
