Compton Verney appoints Penny Egan as our new Chair of Trustees

Compton Verney appoints Penny Egan as our new Chair of Trustees

Compton Verney – the award-winning art gallery and park in Warwickshire – has announced Penny Egan CBE as its new Chair of Trustees.

She will replace the current Chair Kirsten Suenson-Taylor, who is stepping down after an outstanding 8-year tenure on the board of the charitable trust at the end of the year.

Compton Verney is unique. It was established in 1993 with the aim of providing an inspiring and entertaining cultural offer for as many visitors as possible from all ages and backgrounds – whether they have come to see highly-acclaimed art exhibitions, to take part in wide-ranging fun, creative and educational activities, or to enjoy the diverse features of an extensive historic landscape.

Kirsten says “It has been a privilege to chair the board of governors during a great period of change and growth at Compton Verney. We have built on the foundations laid by the astonishing generosity of our founder and patron Sir Peter Moores to build a dynamic and vibrant organisation. I am proud to have led the appointment of new generations of skilled and committed governors -working towards a diverse board that reflects our local community. I was also pleased to lead our search for the new Director Julie Finch and to be helping her start on her mission for the next steps on Compton Verney’s path.

With both our critically acclaimed, popular exhibitions and stunning collections, Compton Verney has become a major part of the cultural landscape of the UK – an amazing space to enjoy art, the landscape and nature; a place to renew and reflect. I am particularly proud of our work to redesign the Chinese galleries to show off our world class collection of bronzes in a way that truly engages and enthrals our visitors.

I know that I am handing the reins to a great successor who will work with our dedicated staff, volunteers, loyal benefactors, supporters and funders to ensure that Compton Verney grows in stature as a place of welcome and inclusivity. It has been a pleasure to be so deeply involved in Compton Verney’s development, and I will always support it as it continues to grow and blossom.”

Penny Egan has just retired from her role as the Executive Director of the US-UK Fulbright Commission. She joined the Commission from the RSA (Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) where she was also Executive Director – the first woman to have led the RSA in its 250-year history.

Penny says “I am delighted to have been appointed to Chair the Compton Verney Board. I have had a varied career, but always been happiest when I have been in position to share my passion for the visual and decorative arts with as many people as possible. I was introduced to Compton Verney 15 years ago – just before it opened to the public – and well remember that first glimpse of this remarkable gallery and beautiful parkland. Remarkable in no small measure because of the generous philanthropy of Sir Peter Moores and his family who created this unique place. I know that Compton Verney is something very precious and I look forward enormously to working with the Board and with Julie Finch, the newly appointed director, to steer it through its next phase of development.”

Penny Egan will take up her new role from 1 January 2020.