Yorkshire Sculpture Park announces new Governance

Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is delighted to welcome several new trustees to the Board and extend gratitude to outgoing members for their dedication to the charity.

The last three years have been a transitional time for YSP, the UK’s leading centre for modern and contemporary sculpture based near Wakefield, Sheffield and Leeds, in West and South Yorkshire. Clare Lilley, appointed as Director in spring 2022, has recently effected change in governance together with a new executive team. Highly skilled and extremely valuable, long-serving trustees are making way for fresh voices, expertise and experience, bringing together new perspectives that align with YSP’s values and passion for enabling access to art for all.

YSP is profoundly grateful to outgoing trustees who have brought a wealth of experience and dedication to the arts charity. John Foster CBE, Rupert Nabarro OBE, Maria de Peverelli, Sir Rodney Walker, Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Magnus von Wistinghausen, and Greville Worthington leave a strong legacy on which remaining and new trustees will build, leading YSP to a sustainable future.

A governance review supported by Kathleen Soriano (independent curator, art historian and broadcaster) and a rigorous recruitment procedure garnered a heartening response of more than 70 applications from around the world, with prospective trustees citing a love and inspiring connection to YSP, often from childhood. Shortlisting resulted in 24 interviewed candidates, from which 9 individuals have been appointed to the main Board and to a newly created Trading and Enterprise Board.

YSP Chair Peter Clegg said: “The last two years have been both challenging and exciting for YSP Trustees. We have said a fond farewell to our Founding Director Sir Peter Murray CBE and to board members who have served us with real dedication over the years. Our new Director Clare Lilley is demonstrating the skills she has to lead a globally significant arts organisation, which is also an integral part of its local community. And we have appointed a cohort of new trustees and advisors who bring exceptional energy and expertise to the board. We all feel it is a privilege to be associated with such a unique institution.”

YSP Director Clare Lilley said: “The calibre of individuals joining YSP’s governance is remarkable, reinforcing our reputation as a leading global arts organisation and beloved national and regional institution. At a particularly challenging time for cultural institutions in Britain and for the country’s economy, it is a privilege to welcome such accomplished and esteemed people, helping take Yorkshire Sculpture Park into the next exciting phase of its history.”

Kerry Bishop joins the Trading and Enterprise Board. She is the Founder and Director of Know Your Place, a creative business consultancy. Kerry previously served as Managing Director at London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), following six years as Chief Operating Officer at Frieze.

Alice Boff joins the main Board. She is the Head of Development at Artangel, the esteemed London-based not for profit which commissions works of art for the public realm. An experienced fundraiser, Alice has previously worked with RADA, the ICA, 14-18 NOW, and the RA.

Hannah Cork has joined the Finance and Risk committee and the main Board. As former Finance Director at Factory International in Manchester and current Financial Advisor at SXSW London, she brings a wealth of financial, accountancy, governance, and operational visitor sector skills to the board.

Dr John Dunning joins the Trading and Enterprise Board. He is Principal Lecturer in Hospitality Management and Employer Engagement at Sheffield Business School and Sheffield Hallam University. John has extensive experience in Hospitality Management, including managing training and developing consultancy services for Gordon Ramsay Holdings.

Sam Henney also joins the Trading and Enterprise Board. Spanning 25 years in senior leadership positions and consultancy within the cultural sector, Sam brings expertise that extends across institutions including the National Theatre, Bodleian Libraries, and Disney Theatrical Productions, where she focused on commercial and marketing strategies.

Steve Holland joins the Finance and Risk Committee and the main Board. Born in Bradford, he was an apprentice in the chemicals industry, building an impressive career up to being CEO and Chair of the Management Board of Brenntag AG, the global market leader in chemical distribution. Steve brings financial and business acumen as well as philanthropic interest in the arts.

Katy Wickremesinghe joins the main Board of trustees. A British-Sri Lankan entrepreneur and creative leader, Katy is the founder of KTW London and The Wick, a global consultancy and content platform connecting the culturally curious. Her mission to make businesses art engaged and socially responsible chimes with YSP’s values.

Isabel Williams joins the main Board of trustees. She is Chief Marketing Officer for Green Motion International, the world’s largest car rental franchise network. Previously Director of Marketing Strategy at Booking.com, Isabel lives locally and brings a wealth of experience in digital marketing and customer engagement.

Helen Whitehouse OBE joins the main Board. She is Chief Operating Officer of the Natural History Museum following six years as Deputy Director for Museums and Cultural Property at DCMS. Prior to that Helen spent a decade in the Ministry of Justice. Helen is passionate about the museums sector and has a particular love of YSP and the wider Yorkshire cultural scene.

This new cohort joins our highly valued trustees Simon Armitage CBE, Peter Clegg (Chair), Carolyn Lord, Merran McRae (Deputy Chair), Rt Hon Alan Milburn (Deputy Chair), Saad Qureshi, Sue Stuart-Smith, and Richard Watts.

YSP’s full Board and Trading and Enterprise Board comprises: Simon Armitage CBE, Kerry Bishop, Alice Boff, Peter Clegg (Chair), Hannah Cork, Dr John Dunning, Sam Henney, Steve Holland, Carolyn Lord, Merran McRae (Deputy Chair), Rt Hon Alan Milburn (Deputy Chair and Chair of Finance and Risk), Saad Qureshi, Sue Stuart-Smith, Richard Watts (Chair of People and Governance), Katy Wickremesinghe, Isabel Williams, and Helen Whitehouse OBE.

ysp.org.uk/our-board-of-trustees