As Greenwich prepares to become a Royal borough next year and host the 2012 Olympics a new boss takes to the helms of one of its most iconic buildings.
Brendan McCarthy has been appointed to the top job at the Greenwich Foundation which manages the Old Royal Naval College - one of the country’s leading heritage visitor attractions.
It is also a popular film location soon to be seen in Sherlock Holmes 2 - A Game of Shadows and Iron Lady, the movie about Margaret Thatcher.
His move follows 27 years career with the National Trust where he worked in a number of roles including deputy chief agent most recently as a regional director for Wessex.
Last year he set up a team to develop the Trust’s first ever stand at the Glastonbury Festival.
Announcing his appointment Sir Robert Crawford, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said: “We are delighted that Brendan McCarthy will be the next Chief Executive of the Old Royal Naval College. He brings to Greenwich career-long experience of managing heritage property of the first quality.
“Brendan’s experience of leading the restoration of Tyntesfield, which attracted the largest Heritage Lottery Fund grant ever given to the National Trust, will also be invaluable as we begin the conservation of the Painted Hall,” he added.
The Old Royal Naval College has launched an ambitious project to restore the murals in the Painted Hall in the 300-year-old building.
Mr McCarthy said: “The Old Royal Naval College is a hugely important and iconic part of London and this country’s heritage. It is a privilege to become the Chief Executive at such an exciting time with Greenwich set to become a Royal Borough in January and with the London Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next summer.”
“I’m looking forward to working with the team at the Old Royal Naval College and in partnership with the other members of World Heritage Site to ensure that Greenwich’s unique architectural landscape and events and education programmes continue to be a valued resource locally and an unmissable attraction for the millions of visitors who come to London each year.”
He succeeds Duncan Wilson who is taking over the top job at Alexandra Palace next year.
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