The National Justice Museum announced in early December the appointment of Victoria Reeves, previously a leader and senior manager for the National Trust in the Midlands, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Victoria Reeves is an experienced senior manager and leader, with a 20-year record of success working in the heritage, museum, leisure, and charitable sectors. Victoria was General Manager of the National Trust’s ‘Derby portfolio’ of prestige properties, including the international visitor attractions of Kedleston Hall, Sudbury Hall, and the National Trust Museum of Childhood. Victoria will join the National Justice Museum in January 2018.
Paul Bowden, Chair of the National Justice Museum Trustees said: “We are delighted to welcome Victoria to the National Justice Museum at a time when we are setting out in exciting new directions as a nationally important service.Next year will be a landmark for us as we become a coveted Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. This recognition provides vital funds to support growth and development across our museum and education offer. Victoria’s extensive experience and knowledge of the heritage, museum and charitable sectors, together with her commercial and leadership skills developed running nationally important properties and attractions, will be critical to our future success.” Victoria Reeves said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the National Justice Museum at this key time in their development and I’m looking forward to working with the whole team there, and the Arts Council, to develop the offer and widen the reach of the Museum.”
A University of London graduate of Medieval and Modern History, Victoria also has a Masters in Arts and Heritage Management from the University of Sheffield. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge gained in various high-profile management and leadership roles across different national museum and heritage sites. Victoria started her professional career with the National Trust at Powis Castle, Welshpool, in 1996. She was responsible for the conservation of the Castle’s collection and interiors. Moving on to Stoneleigh Abbey, Warwickshire in 1999, she managed an £11 million Heritage Lottery Fund restoration. Then, between 2001 – 2003, Victoria was part of the management team who launched The Forum, a public exhibition and events centre in Norwich which received £63 million in Millennium Commission funding. Later in 2003, she joined the management team at Warwick Castle, which was then part of the Madam Tussauds Group. In 2005 Victoria returned to the National Trust, this time in Derbyshire. She was responsible for managing Kedleston Hall and its satellite properties, as well as being seconded to Eyam Hall, after the National Trust was approached to work in partnership with the owners. In 2012 Victoria was appointed General Manager of the National Trust’s full ‘Derby portfolio’ which included Kedleston Hall and its associated properties, as well as Sudbury Hall, The National Trust Museum of Childhood and Norbury Manor. As General Manager, she saw visitors grow to 300,000 a year, and realised a £3 million turnover. Victoria completed the ambitious restoration of Kedleston’s state apartment, a key part of the Trust’s strategy in the Midlands region. She set the strategic direction of the entire Derby portfolio, delicately balancing the needs of conservation, access and financial sustainability across all sites.
For more information on The National Justice Museum www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk
