Appointments

New Chief Executive appointed at Collections Trust

Image: David Gelsthorpe (Collections Trust)

David Gelsthorpe takes up the role after 18 years as Curator of Earth Sciences at Manchester Museum

The Collections Trust, which supports museums and cultural institutions in managing their collections, has announced a new Chief Executive.

David Gelsthorpe will lead Collections Trust and will be the main point of contact for
Collections Trust’s grant funders, Spectrum Partners, other key stakeholders and potential
consultancy projects.

The appointment has been Chair of the UK Museum Accreditation Scheme for four years, and is Chair of Your Trust, Rochdale’s culture and leisure trust.

Most recently, Gelsthorpe was Curator of Earth Sciences at Manchester Museum, a position held for 18 years, where he worked with a large collection, supporting researchers and decolonisation work.

The Collections Trust provides guidance, training, and resources, as well as maintaining the Spectrum collections management standard.

“I’m delighted to be joining the Collections Trust as the new CEO. It is a really exciting time
for the organisation, and I look forward to working with the great team to shape what
happens next,” said Gelsthorpe.

Laura Pye, Chair of the Collections Trust board, welcomed the appointment, addeding: “I’m
truly delighted to have David joining the team. He brings a wealth of experience from across
the museum sector that will undoubtedly prove invaluable to Collections Trust – especially
at this transformative time.”

Gelsthorpe will take over from Kevin Gosling in Spring 2025.