• Hughes was chief executive of Birmingham City Council for nearly 10 years.

• He has held a number of senior non-executive roles since leaving the city council in 2014.

• He succeeds Niels de Vos who has served as chair since 2020.

Birmingham Museums Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Hughes as the new chair of its board of trustees.

Stephen brings a distinguished track record in public service, heritage leadership and civic transformation and will help guide the trust through the next period of its renewal and cultural ambition.

Hughes was appointed following a rigorous, open and inclusive recruitment process managed by people advisory firm Gatenby Sanderson.

He will take up his post in February 2026, succeeding Niels de Vos, who will then have completed his maximum fixed term tenure, having served six years as chair since 2020.

Niels de Vos said:

“It has been my great privilege to chair the board of Birmingham Museums Trust, and my great good fortune to work alongside excellent trustees and some of the best museum professionals in the country. I am proud to have provided clear leadership to this team through the challenges of the pandemic, championed a bold new strategic vision and supported the reopening of Birmingham Museum & Gallery.

“I very much welcome Stephen as my successor and am pleased that he will join a refreshed and strengthened board of trustees. This month sees the appointment of Jane Richardson, chief executive of National Museums Wales as a trustee, and the appointment of senior independent director Tony Simpson as vice chairman. A partner at leading global management consulting firm Oliver Wyman, Tony has advised and restructured some of the world’s leading media, sport and entertainment groups. He also has significant experience in the arts and culture sector, including five years as an advisory board member to the Black Cultural Archives.

“Stephen and Tony will oversee the final stages of selection of two additional trustees to chair the trading board and the finance committee respectively.”

Stephen Hughes served as chief executive officer of Birmingham City Council from 2005 to 2014, leading Europe’s largest local authority through a decade of significant change. During his time at the city council, he spearheaded major transformation programmes focused on improving customer service, modernising operations and driving economic growth across the city. Prior to becoming chief executive, he was strategic director of resources, having joined the council in 2004.

Since leaving the city council, Stephen has held a number of senior non-executive roles, including chair of Housing 21 and non-executive director at High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd. His deep understanding of governance, infrastructure, and community engagement makes him uniquely positioned to support Birmingham Museums Trust in its next phase.

Birmingham Museums continues to deliver programming with global resonance for the city as a cultural force on the international stage. Recent highlights include over 100,000 visitors for the acclaimed Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero exhibition, which drew audiences from around the world and celebrated the city’s unique musical legacy and much-loved rock icon.

The trust’s work also continues to resonate nationally and locally. Its citizens’ jury project, which empowered community voices in shaping the museum’s future, was recently honoured with a Museums Change Lives award, recognising its impact on civic participation and social justice.

Stephen Hughes said:

"It’s a privilege to join Birmingham Museums Trust at such a pivotal moment. The trust’s collections and stories have the power to bring people together, spark dialogue and foster cohesion across our diverse communities.

“I look forward to working with the team to build on this momentum and ensure Birmingham’s museums remain places of relevance, reflection and joy."

Councillor Saima Suleman, cabinet member for digital, culture, heritage and tourism at Birmingham City Council, said:

“I am delighted to welcome Stephen Hughes as the new chair of Birmingham Museums Trust. I would like to thank Niels De Vos for his work with the trust and wish him all the success for the future.

“This is a challenging but exciting time for Birmingham’s cultural landscape, and Stephen’s appointment with his breadth of experience across governance, transformation and infrastructure, I am sure will be a great asset to the trust.

“Stephen is a champion for our city, and I am looking forward to work alongside him as Birmingham Museums Trust continues to inspire our citizens and visitors in reflecting and showcasing the rich history, diversity and creativity of Birmingham.”

Liz Johnson, Midlands area director, Arts Council England, said:

"We’re delighted to welcome Stephen Hughes as chair of Birmingham Museums Trust. His extensive experience, together with our regular investment as part of the National Portfolio, and additional funding through the recently announced Museum Renewal Fund, will support the trust as they build towards a strong and sustainable future.

“We’d also like to pay tribute to Niels de Vos for his dedication over the past six years, which has included the reopening of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, internationally recognised exhibitions (Ozzy Osbourne) and their award-winning community engagement programme - demonstrating the vital role museums play in cultural life.”

Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, added:

"We are immensely grateful to Niels for his dedication and guidance over the past six years. His leadership helped us navigate unprecedented challenges and emerge stronger, more ambitious, and more connected to our communities.

“We’re excited to welcome Stephen and continue this journey of transformation together."