Jane Richardson

Jane Richardson will be the first Chief Executive at Amgueddfa Cymru

Photo: Jane Davidson

Changing Faces

Museum Wales appoints its first Chief Executive

Arts Professional
2 min read

JANE RICHARDSON has been named the Chief Executive of Amgueddfa Cymru (Museum Wales), a collective of seven museums throughout Wales. 

The position is new at Amgueddfa Cymru and Richardson will be responsible for providing inspiration, ambition, creativity and strategic direction for the organisation. She will also act as Accounting Officer, working closely with the Welsh Government sponsor team.

Richardson will take up her new job, initially part-time, on 11 September before transferring to full-time in November 2023.

With over 20 years of experience in Wales, Richardson has held several leadership roles in public, private and third-sector organisations.

She has been chair of the Welsh Government's historic environment service Cadw since 2019, and until earlier this year, was Director of Economy and Place at Conwy County Borough Council.

As a Director at Visit Wales, she oversaw investments in new attractions, including Zip World and the Royal Mint. Before this, she spent ten years with the National Trust, managing historic properties across Wales.

On her selection, Richardson said, “I am excited and honoured to take up this role at what is an important time both for Amgueddfa Cymru and for Wales's wider cultural sector. 

"I look forward to working with the Board and the team to ensure we are bringing our collections to life in ways that tell the stories of all the communities of Wales.”

Her appointment follows the recent announcement of the new Chair, KATE EDEN, and Vice Chair, RHYS EVANS, who will be joining the organisation in September and October, respectively.

Acting President Dr CAROL BELL described the changes as “the beginning of a new era for Amgueddfa Cymru”. She said, “Kate Eden and I are delighted to welcome Jane as our first Chief Executive. Her strategic and leadership skills, amply evidenced by her track record, will be invaluable at a time of great change, challenge and opportunity both within and outside the walls of our museums."

Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism DAWN BOWDEN said, “I look forward to working with Jane and Amgueddfa Cymru’s newly appointed Chair and Vice-Chair as we strengthen and build on the fantastic work already being done by the Museum to inspire and inform people throughout Wales.”