London Transport Museum, a renowned institution dedicated to preserving the rich history of transportation in the city, has recently appointed Elizabeth McKay as its Director and CEO.
With her extensive experience and visionary leadership, McKay is set to guide the museum into an exciting new era of growth and engagement.
Having previously served as the Museum's Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success.
Upon joining London Transport Museum in 2018, Elizabeth McKay embarked on a transformative journey, spearheading a strategic renewal that clarified the organization's charitable purpose.
Her guidance has been instrumental in shaping the museum's long-term vision, capital investments, gallery planning, and design.
Furthermore, she has played a central role in the museum's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030, highlighting her dedication to sustainable practices.
Recognizing the importance of engaging diverse audiences, McKay has prioritized creating an inclusive culture within the museum.
Under her leadership, London Transport Museum has championed STEAM engagement with young Londoners, empowering them to pursue careers in creative fields, transport, engineering, and green skills.
By investing in the community, she aims to ensure that the museum's collection and the histories it represents resonate with all Londoners.
Elizabeth McKay has actively strengthened the museum's relationship with London's communities. In 2022, she oversaw the opening of the ground-breaking exhibition, “Legacies: London Transport's Caribbean Workforce,” which shed light on the contributions of Caribbean workers to the city's transport system.
This display marked the beginning of the museum's commitment to telling diverse stories and promoting cultural inclusivity.
During the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Elizabeth McKay played a critical role in guiding London Transport Museum.
Her strategic decision-making and effective management ensured the museum's resilience and recovery.
Thanks to her leadership, the institution welcomed back 100% of its pre-pandemic visitor numbers in 2022/2023, positioning it for continued success.
Over the past year, McKay has been instrumental in developing the museum's new five-year strategy.
This ambitious plan aims to captivate audiences through a diverse range of exhibitions and events, delving into the captivating history of London.
Furthermore, McKay seeks to introduce innovative and forward-looking content and experiences to expand the museum's appeal and reach, ensuring its relevance in future years.
Elizabeth McKay's exceptional contributions to the cultural sector have not gone unnoticed.
Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including accolades from Museum + Heritage, Learning Technologies, Webby People's Voice, Royal Television Society, Peabody, and Children's BAFTA.
Currently, she serves as Deputy Chair of the esteemed cultural sector charity, Kids in Museums and is a member of the English National Opera Insights Council.
McKay, who will take up her new role in August, said: “I am excited at the opportunity to lead London Transport Museum as its next Director and CEO at such a significant moment in its history.
A vision of inclusion and relevance underpins our new five-year strategy. So it will begin our next chapter as we use our extraordinary collection as a springboard to ignite people's curiosity and get them excited about shaping the future of our city.
I'm keen to dial up our storytelling to engage audiences with fresh, relevant content, and I am committed to delivering outstanding outcomes for young people in the areas that really matter to them: their safety, their future careers and their enthusiasm to create a greener, more sustainable world.
I plan to increase our reach to new audiences who reflect the multicultural breadth and diversity of London, and to expand to new audiences outside the UK.”
Keith Ludeman, Chair of London Transport Museum said: “I am delighted that the Board of Trustees has selected Elizabeth to be the next Director and CEO of our Museum. She has successfully led the strategic development of London Transport Museum over the past 5 years and helped us navigate through the serious challenges presented by the pandemic. I know that her creativity, vitality and boundless energy will enable her to deliver our ambitious plans for the future. My fellow trustees and I look forward to welcoming Elizabeth into her new role and are excited to be working alongside her as we take this wonderful Museum into a bright future.”
Sam Mullins OBE, Outgoing Director and CEO of London Transport Museum, said: “I am delighted with the appointment of Elizabeth McKay to succeed me as director. Elizabeth has been a strong influence on our industry-leading recovery from the pandemic, has been a tenacious and creative deputy director and has led the shaping of our strategy and integrated plans for the future. It has been my privilege to work for London Transport Museum and my pride and joy for the past 28 years. I know it will continue to flourish and develop under Elizabeth's leadership, supported by an outstanding team.”
Andy Lord, London's Transport Commissioner, said: “We're delighted to see Elizabeth appointed to lead London Transport Museum. Her vision, leadership and belief in the role museums play in creating social change will shape the organisation's future growth and the important part it plays in the life of the city. She is passionate about engaging London's communities, inviting them to not only learn about the city's rich history and heritage, but to be inspired to shape a welcoming, greener and connected future for the capital. We look forward to working together as she takes the reins as Director and CEO.”
