mr macgregor , who has been at the helm of the museum since 2002 , said it was ` a difficult thing ' to decide to leave after 13 years .
he previously ran the national gallery and has also worked as a broadcaster - most notably on his radio 4 series a history of the world in 100 objects which was inspired by the museum 's collection .
neil macgregor , 68 , pictured at the british museum , which he has lead since 2002 , said it above all , with the colleagues here has been the greatest privilege of my professional life .