Announcing our new Chair of the Fitzwilliam Museum Syndicate

We’re pleased to share that Sir Richard Heaton KCB officially commenced his appointment as the new Chair of the Fitzwilliam Museum Syndicate on 1 October 2024. Sir Richard is the current Warden of the University of Cambridge’s Robinson College and has a background in the Civil Service. He is a former Permanent Secretary in both the Cabinet Office and most recently, the Ministry of Justice. As the Chair of Trustees at Koestler Arts, Sir Richard supports their ongoing work in rehabilitation through art in prisons and places of detention. He is also Chair of the Advisory Committee for the Government Art Collection. His passion for the arts extends to his collection of contemporary and 20th century paintings, drawings and ceramics.

'I’ve always loved and admired the Fitzwilliam, and I’m delighted to be joining it as Chair of the Syndics.'

— Sir Richard Heaton

The Syndicate was established as a General Board committee to undertake the governance of the Museum, and they report directly to the University of Cambridge’s Regent House. Alongside our Director and Marlay Curator Luke Syson, the Syndicate ensures that we fulfill our vision of opening up the past to transform our futures, and our mission to use art, objects, spaces and experiences to inspire reflection, connection and creativity.

Sir Richard – whose appointment begins in October, succeeds our outgoing Chair, Catherine Arnold OBE who has overseen the reorganisation of the Museum and a new mission in her role since 2021. During this time, we have welcomed our highest-ever visitor figures.

'I am enormously grateful to Catherine Arnold for her rigour and good humour over the past three years, with change afoot at the Fitzwilliam. And I am really delighted that Richard will take over as the new Chair of our Syndicate. His depth of experience and his love of art will be enormously helpful as we make the Fitzwilliam Museum not just more and more vibrant but also financially and environmentally sustainable. The Fitz has a big part to play in making connections across Cambridge’s communities to the rest of world. With Richard’s energy and eye for detail, I’m sure we will make real strides towards realising our huge potential. I much look forward to working with him.'

— Luke Syson, Director and Marlay Curator of the Fitzwilliam Museum

1 July 2024