Mark Seligman, the new Chair of Trustees
14 June 2024
Brooklands Museum Trust is pleased to announce that Mark Seligman has been appointed the new Chair of Trustees for the Museum. He takes over the driving seat from Sir Gerald Acher who steps down at our AGM in July at the end of his nine-year term of office.
Mark is a Chartered Accountant and has worked in the banking sector since 1982. He is Senior Independent Director of NatWest Group plc and Smiths Group plc. He was previously Chair of the Government’s Industrial Development Advisory Board and is a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of International Bankers. Mark has a passion for automotive and aviation history and has been a trustee of Brooklands Museum since 2021. Mark’s professional experience and expertise will be invaluable to Brooklands Museum as it builds on the developments of the last nine years.
Under the leadership of Sir Gerald Acher, Brooklands Museum has been transformed with a stronger visitor focus and brand and an educational agenda which permeates the whole Museum. The Museum created the award-winning Aircraft Factory exhibition, the nationally recognised Brooklands Innovation Academy, and is at the forefront of STEM engagement. Sir Gerald successfully stewarded the organisation through the challenges of the COVID pandemic. Sir Gerald’s passion and enthusiasm for Brooklands – its history and its people – has been a driving force and inspiration for its staff, volunteers and members alike.
While Sir Gerald is standing down as Chair and a trustee, he has been appointed President of the Trust and will continue to support the Museum in its development activities. We are pleased to announce that our current President, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, is set to become our first Patron under our Royal Patron HRH Prince Michael of Kent whom we are delighted will continue in his role.
Speaking of his appointment, Mark Seligman said:
“Chairing Brooklands and being with all who work here will be a rare honour. Brooklands is not just any museum, but a living space where unbelievable feats of daring, innovation and endurance took place. As a catalyst for inspiring tomorrow’s generation, it has no equal”.
Sir Gerald Acher said:
“I am thrilled the Trustees have appointed Mark Seligman as the Museum’s next Chair and I wish him every success in his new role. I’m truly touched that the Board has asked me to become President and I look forward to supporting Mark and the Museum in the development challenges and opportunities which lie ahead. I have been so fortunate to have worked with not only a committed and skilled board of trustees and three very special and highly competent chief executives and their staff but also the most amazing group of knowledgeable, dedicated and friendly volunteers who make Brooklands the unique museum it is today. “
Alex Patterson, Chief Executive of Brooklands Museum, said:
“I am excited about our next chapter with Mark Seligman and look forward to working with him over the coming years to develop Brooklands Museum. I am also hugely grateful to Sir Gerald Acher for his service, and I’m pleased he will continue to support us in his new role as President.”