Smithsonian unit chief steps down

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.

Beer told staff in an e-mail this week that he will not attempt to renew his contract in September as CEO of 7-year-old Smithsonian Business Ventures. The unit runs museum gift shops, restaurants, theaters and other profit-making ventures.

Beer, 46, a former executive at Robert Redford’s Sundance Institute, has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks as the Smithsonian has been roiled by controversy over its leadership and finances. In March, the Smithsonian’s top leader, Lawrence Small, was forced to resign after revelations of lavish expense account spending, including $2 million in housing and office expenses over seven years.