London Transport Museum has announced Elizabeth McKay as its newly appointed Director and CEO.
McKay, who has served as the museum’s Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director for the past five years, will take up her new role in August.
Prior to joining the museum, McKay was Chief Learning and Engagement Officer at Historic Royal Palaces, and previously served as an Executive Producer and Head of Knowledge Campaigns at BBC Learning.
First joining the museum in 2018, McKay has since overseen the museum’s long-term approach to capital investment, gallery planning and design. She is also currently the Deputy Chair of cultural sector charity Kids in Museums and a member of the ENO Insights Council.
In a statement, the museum said McKay has “played a central role” in developing its journey to reach net zero by 2030, championed investment in STEAM engagement with young Londoners, and was “critical” in guiding the museum through the pandemic, having welcomed back 100% of its pre-pandemic visitor numbers in 22/23.
McKay will succeed Sam Mullins OBE, who in March announced his intention to step down after 28 years.
Mullins said McKay “has been a strong influence on our industry-leading recovery from the pandemic, has been a tenacious and creative deputy director and has led the shaping of our strategy and integrated plans for the future.
Mullins added: “It has been my privilege to work for London Transport Museum and my pride and joy for the past 28 years. I know it will continue to flourish and develop under Elizabeth’s leadership, supported by an outstanding team.”
McKay said of her appointment: “I am excited at the opportunity to lead London Transport Museum as its next Director and CEO at such a major moment in its history.”
She described the museum’s new five year strategy as its “next chapter”, and will use the museum’s collection “as a springboard to ignite people’s curiosity and get them excited about shaping the future of our city.”
McKay added: “I plan to increase our reach to new audiences who reflect the multicultural breadth and diversity of London, and to expand to new audiences outside the UK.’
