National Football Museum announced two new signings
The transfer window may have closed, but The National Football Museum in Manchester has announced two new key signings – its non-executive chairman and chief executive.
Ian Penrose has been appointed as non-executive chairman with immediate effect, responsible for overall governance and leadership of the board of trustees.
In addition, the museum has unveiled Tim Desmond its new chief executive. He will take up his position at the museum from November 6.
Penrose has worked in the sports, leisure and gaming industry in the UK and overseas for the last 20 years.
As the chief executive of Sportech he has led its strategic repositioning and business turnaround into one of the world’s largest sports gaming technology providers and operators, primarily based in the United States.
Prior to joining Sportech, Penrose was chief executive of Arena Leisure, where he built the UK’s largest horseracing and media group.
Penrose said: “I am delighted to accept the position of chairman. I have been on the board of trustees at the museum for many years, and have been proud to see it develop into the world class visitor attraction that it is today.
“Furthermore, I am pleased that Tim will be taking on the role of chief executive. Tim’s successful track record, plus our combined keen interest in football, should ensure that we can lead the Museum to the next stage of its development.”
Since 2006, as chief executive of the National Justice Museum (formerly the Galleries of Justice and the National Centre for Citizenship and the Law), Desmond has led the continuing development of the award-winning charity to expand beyond its Nottingham visitor attractions and has set up education syndicates for children and young people to learn about the law at the UK Supreme Court and Royal Courts of Justice in London, the Manchester Civil Justice Centre and Crown Court.
Desmond said: “In my mind, there is no greater job in museums and attractions, than being the CEO of the National Football Museum in Manchester. I am looking forward to working with the museum’s highly skilled and experienced trustees, staff, and volunteers, to create new opportunities for visitors to enjoy the history of our national game.”
