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SS Great Britain chief exec stepping down after 26 years
The chief executive of the SS Great Britain is stepping down from his position after almost 30 years at the education and museum charity.
Matthew Tanner MBE was appointed director and CEO of the charity behind Brunel’s SS Great Britain and the Brunel Institute in 2000.
Tanner went on to lead the team that delivered the £13m conservation and regeneration of the historic ship, a project which was awarded numerous prizes for tourism, conservation, access, interpretation and design.
is needed now More than ever
A spokesperson for Tanner said the time had come for him “to take on some new challenges and pass on the baton to a worthy successor”.
The SS Great Britain is one of Bristol’s most-loved tourist attractions – photo: David Noton & SS Great Britain Trust
In a statement, Tanner said: “It has been my great privilege to work for the SS Great Britain Trust and with outstanding staff and volunteer teams to achieve such extraordinary things together, inspiring and changing the lives of young people and preserving Brunel’s masterpiece – the magnificent SS Great Britain.”
“In my time the trust has grown through many significant transformations and together we have won many national and international prizes.
“I am proud to have played a part in the ship’s history.
“The time has now come for me to leave the Great Western Dockyard and to take on some new challenges.
“I know the great ship and the two historic dockyards are in the good care of the trustees and a first-rate staff group, embraced and treasured by the people of Bristol, and many more people can and will be inspired by her and all that the trust does in the future.
“I’ve always believed that we can all make a difference, and change the world a little bit at a time.
“So we have.”
Tanner will officially leave his position on September 30. Plans for a successor were not shared.
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
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