Image: Matthew Sheldon CEO of the National Museum of the Royal Navy pictured in collection archive (Sarah Ford)
The new appointment, who first joined the museum in 1994, says he is ” thrilled and not-a-little-daunted” to take on the role
The National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) has announced a new CEO. Matthew Sheldon takes the top role after 30 years in various roles at the Portsmouth museum.
Sheldon joined the museum as Curator of Manuscripts in 1994, after early roles at The Bodleian Libraries and Royal Commission on the Historic Monuments of England.
He was most recently Interim Director General, taking over from former Director General Professor Dominic Tweddle who left NMRN in 2023 after 14 years.
His appointment as permanent CEO makes him only the second leader of the National Museum, established in 2009.
He has previously served as Head of Research Collections, Head of the Curatorial Department, Head of Strategic Development as the museum has transformed from a single-site into an organisation spanning five locations.
Sir Philip Jones, Chair of the Board of Trustees for the NMRN said Sheldon was chosen “because he brings a passion for the story of our Royal Navy, not just its historical significance, but the relevance it still holds today.”
On his appointment Sheldon said: “I am thrilled and not-a-little-daunted to have the privilege of leading the Royal Navy’s National Museum through the next stage of its development.
“Having worked in Portsmouth and across our diverse sites, I know my good fortune at having such a fantastic, committed, knowledgeable team of staff and volunteers to help. The National Museum has a record of achievements to be proud of, but there is so much more we can do. I look forward especially to strengthening and building the partnerships which will help accelerate change”.
