The J. Paul Getty Museum, under fire by countries that contend some of its priceless ancient art collection was stolen, on Wednesday announced the appointment of a new curator of antiquities.

Karol Wight, an expert in ancient Roman glass, will be in charge of a staff of eight and about 2,500 sculptures, pottery, jewelry and other ancient artworks.

Most of the artwork is housed at the Getty Villa at Malibu.

Wight's appointment fills the last of several key vacancies in the museum. Earlier this year, former Art Institute of Chicago president James N. Wood took over as chief of the J. Paul Getty Trust, which operates the museum.

"Her passion for the job and long experience in the field of antiquities, combined with a deep understanding of the Getty's collection, make her the ideal choice for this important position," museum director Michael Brand said in a statement.

Wight becomes curator next month. She has been acting curator since Marion True retired from the post in October 2005. She began her career at the Getty in 1985 as a graduate intern in the Department of Antiquities.

True and art dealer Robert Hecht have been placed on trial in Rome, charged with knowingly receiving dozens of archaeological treasures stolen from private collections or dug up illicitly. They deny any wrongdoing.

Last December, the museum settled a decade-old dispute with Greece, agreeing to hand over an ancient gold wreath and marble bust that Athens claims were illegally spirited out of the country. It earlier returned two sculptures.

The museum also agreed last year to return 26 antiquities to Italy, but that country is demanding the return of many more and negotiations have stalled.