Co-campaigner in the Yachting Monthly restoration and circumnavigation of Gipsy Moth IV, Richard Doughty, has been appointed as the new Director of National Maritime Museum Cornwall, following the forthcoming retirement of Jonathan Griffin in September.

Mr Doughty’s tireless work behind the scenes with the project to save Sir Francis Chichester’s iconic ketch has helped play a part in his appointment.
 
He has held a number of senior management roles during his career including Chief Executive and Director of Fundraising for the Cutty Sark Trust, Deputy Director of Leisure (Culture and Museums) for North East Lincolnshire Council, Head of Museums, Archives, Visual Arts and Archaeology as well as positions as a Museum Curator and Secondary School Teacher.
 
He secured the funding for the major conservation project to save the Cutty Sark from collapse, devising a scheme which would not only ensure the physical survival of the ship but would also re-invigorate Cutty Sark as one of London’s leading visitor landmarks. Following the devastating fire in 2007 Richard helped secure £55m towards the conservation and representation of Cutty Sark.
 
His role as Director of the Cutty Sark included responsibility for the strategic and operational management of the ship including financial management, stakeholder stewardship, formal and informal learning, visitor services, press and marketing, collection care, digital delivery, event, catering and facilities management, corporate hospitality and security and conservation and maintenance.
 
Peter Davies, Chair of Trustees at National Maritime Museum Cornwall says: “I am delighted that Richard has been appointed as our new Director. He has a wealth of experience in the maritime and heritage sector and will be able to build on the outstanding achievements of Jonathan over the past 11 years. I am confident that Richard will be able to take the Museum forward locally, nationally and internationally.”
 
Richard says: “I have a deep rooted appreciation of what makes our maritime heritage significant – technically, historically and culturally. I am not in a strict sense a maritime expert or maritime historian but I do understand the importance of giving our maritime heritage a sustainable future and I relish the opportunity to engage this sincere belief, a sincere love of what is at the heart of the job – our maritime heritage – to extend National Maritime Museum Cornwall’s reach, revenue and reputation.
 
Having enjoyed many happy holidays in Cornwall and with a young family we are very much looking forward to moving to the area.”
 
Richard also holds a Maritime Fellowship Award, a Museums Association Diploma and belongs to a number of museum associations including the Maritime Curators Group and International Congress of Maritime Museums.