AIM appoints new Director (Chief Executive)

Lisa Ollerhead

AIM has appointed Lisa Ollerhead as its new Director (Chief Executive) following a comprehensive recruitment process. Lisa joins AIM from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

As Head of Museums Policy since 2016, she played a leading role in the response for museums during COVID-19 and was closely involved in the design and delivery of the Culture Recovery Fund, supporting the independent Culture Recovery Board, and developing the £100m Museum Estates and Development Fund. Previously she led implementation of the Mendoza Review of museums and the DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund.

Lisa will join the AIM team on 31 May 2021.

AIM Chair Andrew Lovett said

“We are delighted to make this appointment. Lisa joins AIM at a pivotal moment for our members and our sector. Her considerable expertise, achievements and networks will further strengthen AIM in a period when the support we offer our members has perhaps never been more important.

Through Lisa’s leadership we will continue to ensure that the voice of independent museums, galleries and heritage organisations is heard. And, as always, improving the impact, sustainability and relevance of our members will be at the heart of our work.

I’d also like to thank Emma Chaplin for her work too; she leaves AIM extremely well placed to manage future challenges and opportunities.”

Of her new appointment Lisa said

“I am thrilled to take up this role and lead AIM’s work in championing and supporting independent museums, galleries and heritage organisations right across the UK.

These are challenging times and AIM under the great leadership of Andrew and Emma has played a crucial role advocating for support for museums. AIM’s relentless focus on possibility and the resilience of the sector gives me great hope for the future. Independent museums are such an important part of culture and heritage and will be at the forefront of helping communities and individuals recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing visitors back to high streets, town centres, and rural areas all around the country.

I am really looking forward to working with the team and Board, and meeting as many of our members as possible too.”