The Kennedy Center has a new artistic director, and the choice is drawing concern.

The center named Rick Canny to the role, NPR reported. Canny is a Los Angeles-based talent manager whose clients have included the rock band ZZ Top, former Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee and Creed singer Scott Stapp, BroadwayWorld reported.

Matt Floca, the center's executive director and chief operating officer, announced the hire to senior staff in an email on Thursday, NPR said.

Canny began working as a consultant for the Kennedy Center last year. He has pushed for more commercial, mass-market programming, the Times reported. He will remain a consultant while setting the center's overall creative direction.

His appointment came despite complaints from staff about his business practices as a consultant, NPR reported.

The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., is the nation's best-known performing arts center. It hosts opera, ballet, theater, jazz and the annual Kennedy Center Honors.

The center has gone through big changes since President Donald Trump took control of its board last year and made himself chairman. Many artists canceled shows in protest. Ticket sales and donations have suffered, according to past reports, and many longtime staff have left.

Supporters of the changes say the center had grown out of touch with ordinary Americans. Critics say it is being turned into a political project and losing its artistic standing.

The center has not publicly responded to the staff complaints about Canny. It is not yet clear what shows he will bring to the stage, or when his first season will be announced.

What we know: Rick Canny has been named the Kennedy Center's artistic director.
What we don't: what shows he will program or when his first season will be announced.