Maria Balshaw appointed as new NMDC Chair 8 Apr 2021

Dr Maria Balshaw CBE, Director of Tate, has been appointed as the new Chair of the NMDC. Maria takes over from Sir Ian Blatchford, Director of the Science Museum Group, who has been Chair since April 2016. Maria has been a member of the NMDC Executive Committee for two years and is the first Director of Tate to hold the NMDC Chair. Maria said "I am delighted to be taking over as NMDC Chair at this crucial moment as we prepare to reopen our museums and galleries and help communities across the UK recover from the pandemic. On behalf of all members I give huge thanks to Ian for doing a fantastic job leading the NMDC, particularly during the tumultuous events of the last year. I look forward to continuing his excellent work to promote and support NMDC members and the incredible work they do". Following the end of Ian’s tenure as Chair as well as the retirement of NMDC Vice-Chair Iain Watson, Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, two new members have also been appointed to NMDC’s Executive Committee: Reyahn King, Chief Executive of York Museums Trust and Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A.