Matthew Tanner is set to embark on a four year term as president of the International Congress of Maritime Museums, following on from Steve White, president of Mystic Seaport in Connecticut, USA.
ICMM represents around 120 member organisations, made up of institutions ranging from local nautical attractions through to national museums in every continent of the world.
Who is Matthew Tanner?
Having served as chief executive of the SS Great Britain Trust since 2000, Tanner has amassed 25 years’ experience in the heritage sector. 2015 saw him receive a Doctor of Laws Honorary Degree from the University of Bristol, in recognition of his work to establish Brunel’s SS Great Britain as one of the region’s most popular attractions.
“Maritime museums are in their very nature international institutions, and in these challenging times, maritime museums reach across the oceans to help foster international friendship and collaboration,” Tanner stated as his presidency was announced. “They celebrate the coming together of the world today and fostering an appreciation of our maritime past can only help with improving all our futures.”
Tanner’s predecessor, Steve White, said he was “honoured to pass the leadership responsibility for ICMM to Matthew Tanner, who has distinguished himself in the global museum community.”
