The British designer, whose work includes the iPhone, said he looked forward to supporting the museum’s Masterplan project
The British Museum has today announced that Sir Jony Ive, former chief designer at Apple, has been appointed to its Board of Trustees.
The London born British designer, who lives in San Francisco, is best-known for his work at Apple, as chief design officer, where he led the team that designed the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch.
The museum said Ive’s appointment, bringing experience and perspective in digital technologies “will be especially valuable and welcome” as it continues with its Masterplan project. The project includes a new collection storage facility, an Energy Centre Programme, a reimagined Western Range, and new visitor welcome facilities.
Sir Jony Ive said: “It is an extraordinary honour to join the Board of Trustees of the British Museum. I have adored the museum since I first visited as a child over fifty years ago. It is a remarkable and singular institution that ultimately fosters curiosity and understanding across cultures and time.
“Like most designers, I am a keen historian and the British Museum is a masterpiece of public cultural experience. I am thrilled to be working with such a wonderful team, and look forward to supporting the Museum’s appropriately ambitious Masterplan for transformation.”
Since leaving Apple, Ive ha founded the design collective LoveFrom, whose work has included creating the emblem for the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. In 2024 he co-founded io – a company focused on developing AI-enabled products.
George Osborne, chair of trustees British Museum, said: “Jony Ive fuses design and technology in a way that has changed our world – and with his work at the frontier of AI, continues to do so. For a British Museum that wants to lead in bringing great design and the latest technology together as we transform our galleries, there is no one on earth better equipped to help us than Jony.”
The British Museum Board comprises up to 25 members, 15 appointed by the Prime Minister, one by The Crown, four by relevant industry bodies and a further 5 appointed by the Trustees; this appointment comes from the latter and Sir Jony will take up his role immediately.
