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New Chief Executive of York Museums Trust Announced

York Museums Trust has appointed the former Head of Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands as its new Chief Executive, starting in November this year.

Reyahn King, 50, has also worked as the Director of Art Galleries at National Museums Liverpool, and Head of Exhibitions and Interpretation at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery.

She will follow Dr Janet Barnes, CBE, who is retiring after being chief executive of the Trust since it was formed 13 years ago.

York Museums Trust looks after York Castle Museum, the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens, York St Mary’s and York Art Gallery, which will reopen on August 1 this year after an £8 million development.

Reyahn said:

“I am thrilled to be coming to the beautiful city of York as the second Chief Executive of York Museums Trust. Dr. Janet Barnes’ leadership has ensured I inherit a mature, successful organisation ready for new challenges after the completion of York Art Gallery’s renovation. I look forward to working with Trustees, staff and volunteers to create engaging and exciting visitor experiences and to develop a high profile exhibitions programme that will attract audiences from far and wide.”

Professor Sir John Lawton, chairman of the trustees of York Museums Trust, said:

“We are delighted that Reyahn has accepted the role. She brings with her strategic and operational experience at significant regional and national institutions as well as a track record of delivering a wide range of major events and exhibitions. We look forward to working with her to enable the Trust to build on its previous successes and to ensure we continue to be one of the most dynamic and forward thinking cultural organisations in the country.”

Reyahn will leave her position as head of heritage lottery fund West Midlands which she has held since 2012.

As well as National Museums Liverpool and Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery Reyahn has also worked for numerous other cultural institutions including Coventry Arts and Heritage, the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery.

Reyahn will start at the Trust in September as chief executive designate, before becoming chief executive in November.