DR Diana Owen, the chief executive of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust for the past decade, will step down from her post early next year.
Dr Owen said she thought it was the right time to hand over the reins of the charity, which cares for the five Shakespeare properties in and around Stratford, and is custodian of the largest Shakespeare-related museum and archives in the world.
She told The Observer: “It has been a real privilege, and a fantastic pleasure, to be at the helm of the UK’s first and oldest conservation charity, promoting the world’s foremost playwright, to worldwide audiences today.
“After ten years and the success of the 400th anniversary, I feel that the time is right, to hand on the baton and I look forward to seeing the inspiring plans for the future development of our charity come to fruition.”
The trustees, staff and volunteers were quick to thank her for all she had achieved and the legacy she would leave.
Trust chairman Peter Kyle said: “Diana has transformed the Trust into an inclusive, participative charity that puts Shakespeare and his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon on the world stage.
“She has achieved strong visitor and revenue growth, forged successful partnerships and created new opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to enjoy Shakespeare. Her particular successes have included shepherding the trust into the digital age by launching highly engaging digital campaigns and platforms; Shakespeare Week, our annual celebration for primary school children; and the highly praised development of New Place, which opened in 2016 marking the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.
“It has been a real pleasure to work with Diana and we wish her great happiness and success in the future.”
The trustees are now seeking a leader to follow in Dr Owen’s footsteps, and take on the challenge of leading the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
