The Prime Minister has made a series of significant appointments to the Board of Trustees for Royal Museums Greenwich (RMG), with Alexandra Butler, Sanjeev Gupta, and Marshall Manson set to join from July 2026. Meanwhile, Clare Anderson, Lance Batchelor, and Stephen Deucher will embark on their second terms.
Alexandra Butler brings over two decades of experience in leveraging technology strategically, having launched the UK's first unified online public services platform, Directgov, and delivered Data.gov.uk for the Cabinet Office, generating over £30 million in efficiency savings. As lead on digital transformation at Sport England, she aims to enhance national physical activity through tech and data.
Sanjeev Gupta, a distinguished professor of Earth Sciences at Imperial College London, has made notable contributions to landscape evolution research, including the discovery of how Britain became an island through catastrophic megafloods. His work also encompasses linking geology with heritage studies and collaborations with NASA on Mars rovers. A local resident and long-time RMG ambassador, Professor Gupta advocates for public engagement with science.
Marshall Manson, UK CEO of FleishmanHillard, offers more than 25 years of experience in communications and marketing strategy, advising businesses on critical situations and geopolitical pressures. With a keen interest in history, particularly maritime history, Manson's appointment aligns with RMG's core mission.
The reappointed trustees include Clare Anderson, Professor of History at the University of Leicester, continuing as History Trustee for a second four-year term from June 2026. Stephen Deucher has been reappointed as Arts and Heritage Trustee for a second four-year term, effective from the same date. Lance Batchelor will serve his second five-year term as Navy and Business Trustee from June 2026.
These appointments come at a crucial time for RMG, which oversees the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the Queen's House, and Cutty Sark. The diverse expertise of the new and reappointed trustees is expected to support the museums' ongoing efforts in digital engagement, scientific research, and public outreach as they navigate evolving technological landscapes and community engagement priorities.