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Moves | All change at the top
Longstanding directors step down from People's History Museum and National Waterfront Museum
Changes in leadership are taking place at a number of cultural institutions this year.
The director of the People’s History Museum in Manchester, Katy Ashton, has left the institution after 14 years.
Ashton has started a new position as head of culture and place marketing at Sheffield Council.
Writing on LinkedIn, she said: “Fourteen years ago I joined the amazing team at the People's History Museum and now it's time for me to say goodbye to the most amazing museum and the most amazing team!
“It's been quite a ride over the years with so many highlights, successes and achievements... and some challenges and difficult times too. I've loved every minute and always been so proud to be the director of PHM – it really is the best job ever.”
Ashton added: “I can't wait to see who is going to lead the museum on the next part of its journey.”
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Recruitment is currently underway for a new director.
People's History Museum chair Bernard O’Donoghue wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “We at the People’s History Museum – the museum of democracy and home of the Labour Party archives – are recruiting a director to succeed the great Katy Ashton. Amazing job, amazing place at an amazing time.”
Meanwhile Steph Mastoris has announced that he is stepping down as director of the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea this October. The institution, which is part of Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, is currently recruiting for a new director.
Mastoris has been at the institution since 2004.