A NEW permanent CEO has been appointed at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Rachael North has taken the top job at the charity, dedicated to preserving the Shakespeare family homes, after undertaking the role on an interim basis for the last six months.
Rachael has been with the Trust for just over five years, having previously been the director of museum and public programmes.
She will take up her post immediately and will be responsible for leading SBT’s team of staff and volunteers to deliver the charity’s mission and strategic vision.
Rachael said: “It’s a genuine privilege to assume the role of permanent CEO for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the museum of Shakespeare based here, in his hometown of Stratford. My vision for the future of the Trust very much includes celebrating the unique contribution that the Shakespeare family homes, alongside the extraordinary collection of over one million museum, library and archive collections, can play within the cultural fabric of our town.
“I’m delighted to see the significant impact we’re already making with the ‘residents go free’ initiative and with the conservation tours planned at Hall’s Croft and upcoming community days at Mary Arden’s Farm, I hope to see more people within Stratford enjoying these special places in the months to come.”
Under Rachael’s leadership, the Trust also aims to continue its commitment to engaging communities and visitors from across the UK and around the world in the ongoing enjoyment and exploration of Shakespeare’s life, work and legacy. The charity is also looking forward to the opening of a new exhibition and visitor experience, ‘Becoming Shakespeare’, in May.
Chair of the board of trustees Lady Cobham added: “There were over 300 applications for this important position and, like all shortlisted candidates, Rachael went through a rigorous process, overseen by Arts Council England. She has over 25 years of experience in the cultural sector, with a track record in devising and implementing innovative visitor experience programmes, leading conservation and community engagement and spearheading capital development.
“I am excited to be working with Rachael at this pivotal moment in time for the Trust. We share an ambition and a passion for the future successful development of the Trust and in our aims to reach an ever wider audience locally, nationally and globally.”
