Sir Stuart Etherington will take over as Chair of the Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College when Tony Hales CBE completes the maximum nine years with the Foundation in July 2023.

Stuart’s career has centred around the leadership of voluntary organisations and policies which affect them. From 1994 to 2020, he was chief executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), championing the vital role of charities and volunteers.

Sir Stuart Etherington says, “I am delighted to be taking up my new role. I am particularly keen to promote the importance of participation and to create opportunities for everyone; engage a wider and more diverse group of people, and promote the enjoyment and experience of arts, culture and heritage. As a local person I am particularly enthusiastic to engage and involve the local community in our work.”

Tony Hales, Chair, Greenwich Foundation, says, “I welcome Sir Stuart to this fantastic role. He is hugely accomplished and as a local Greenwich resident and former Chair of the University of Greenwich, he is well placed to understand the strengths and value of this magnificent and unique heritage site, the centrepiece of Maritime Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a long and celebrated 500-year history. I am confident that with his strategic leadership of the Board, the Foundation will thrive and deliver excellence in both conservation and education for present and future generations. I also wish to thank all the staff, volunteers, partners and supporters who have helped us to achieve all that we have achieved in recent years.”

Matthew Mees, Chief Executive, Greenwich Foundation, says, “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Sir Stuart. He joins us at a pivotal moment as we refocus our strategy to become an extraordinary cultural and eventful destination, enriching people’s lives and embracing a sustainable future.”

Matthew continues, “On behalf of the Foundation I want to thank Tony Hales for his outstanding contribution and his generous support which have helped the Foundation make the Old Royal Naval College one of UK’s leading visitor attractions providing a diverse, cultural and educational space, welcoming visitors from near and far. A key achievement was his guidance as the Greenwich Foundation delivered an £8.5 million award-winning and pioneering conservation project between 2016-2019, which saw the Painted Hall restored to its full glory, with further work on the Nelson Room and the Chapel of St Peter & St Paul subsequently.”

Sir Stuart Etherington continues to lead as Chair at The Oversight Trust, overseeing the allocation of unclaimed assets, the National Centre for Social Research and also as Chair of the Advisory Board of the Centre for Charity Effectiveness.