National Videogame Museum announces new trustees

The National Videogame Museum has appointed five new trustees to the board of its governing charity with a further four set to join in November.

The new board members are: DAVID BARRIE (founder and CEO of Game Academy); JOE CHETCUTI (creative director at Creative Assembly); EMMA COOPER (creative industries knowledge transfer manager at Innovate UK); NATALIE KANE (curator of digital design at The V&A); and NICK POOLE (chief executive of the games trade body UKIE).

A statement from the charity said: “With a dynamic blend of cross-sector expertise, these appointments come at a pivotal moment for the charity as it accelerates its evolution as a museum and shifts focus towards greater national impact.

“These strategic additions will bolster the museum’s governance, while helping the NVM meet its ambitious goals for the future.”

The statement added that under co-CEOs CAT POWELL and JOHN O’SHEA, the museum “has done significant work consolidating the collection, developing exhibitions and enriching experience for audiences and researchers”.

This spring, the charity intends to submit for Arts Council England’s National Museum Accreditation.

The second phase of new trustees, who will join the board in November, are: BRIAN BAGLOW (founder of Scottish Games Week); JOHN BOOTH (senior director at Sony Interactive Entertainment); EMILY BRITT (senior communications manager at Sharkmob); and JESS GASKILL (director of PMO (project management office) at Sumo Digital).

Chair of the board CLAIRE BOISSIERE said the “extensive experience” of the new trustees “will be invaluable as we embark on an exciting new chapter in the National Videogame Museum’s journey, expanding our national presence and advancing our mission”.

She added: “We also want to share our heartfelt thanks to the trustees stepping down at this time. Their dedication, guidance, and leadership have played a huge role in shaping the museum’s success.”