BIRMINGHAM.- The Birmingham Museums Trust Board announced the appointment of Tony Simpson and Liam Darbon. Tony and Liam’s appointments help to energise and strengthen the organisation’s Board of Trustees, with particular focus on marketing and audience development, income generation, and commercial development, along with bringing a wide range of experience and knowledge from their varied careers.

Niels de Vos, Chair of Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “Tony and Liam’s appointments continue the work we have been doing to take Birmingham Museums in a bold, fresh direction. I’m really looking forward to working with them and the rest of the Board this year, in what is an important time for the city, when the eyes of the world will be on Birmingham.

“Working with the leadership team we have a long-term vision to ensure Birmingham’s museums service truly reflects and empowers the people of this city. We need to be ambitious in our next steps to drive change and we are in an even stronger position to do this following these appointments.”

Tony Simpson

Tony Simpson is Partner at Oliver Wyman, a leading global management consulting firm, where he has advised and restructured some of the world’s leading media, sport, and entertainment groups. Tony also has experience in the arts and culture sector and spent five years as an Advisory Board Member to the Black Cultural Archives (BCA). Born and raised in Birmingham, Tony was a singer-songwriter in the city in the 1980s, in New Wave band ‘021’, and is still connected to the Birmingham Music Archives.

Tony also brings international museums experience having previously worked for, and advised, both Qatar Museums (previously Qatar Museums Authority) and the Abu Dhabi Government, on Culture and International Partnerships.

Tony Simpson said: “Born and raised in Birmingham, I understand the rich historical culture of our city, and am aligned with the Birmingham Museum Trust’s ambition to deliver an authentic representation of the cultural best of the Midlands and how this can drive social, cultural and economic creativity and innovation.

“I’m pleased to join the Board at this time, and I look forward to supporting the Trust as it becomes a catalyst for democratic renewal and engagement, and for inclusive pride in Birmingham.”

Liam Darbon

Liam Darbon is Head of Omnichannel Trading at Tate, a world-renowned family of art galleries spanning the UK, with a mission to increase the understanding and enjoyment of art. Liam leads on the commercial strategy across Tate and it’s trading subsidiaries, championing the customer experience across all channels. Prior to Tate, Liam held senior commercial leadership positions at the John Lewis Partnership and has also worked for American Express and the marketing agency Syncredible. Before becoming a Trustee, Liam previously served on the Birmingham Museums Trading Board since 2016.

Liam Darbon said: “I am really excited to continue working with Birmingham Museums and join the board as a trustee, I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the trading company and look forward to continuing both roles in earnest. Culture has never been more important, and I look forward to working with Sara, Zak and the board to find innovative ways to reach new and existing audiences - placing them at the heart of the experience.”