The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Director. 

After thirty-nine years with the Trust, the last eighteen as Director, Dr Roger Pringle will retire in October this year.  Dr Diana Owen will succeed him as Director, taking up her post on 22 October.

Dr Owen is currently Area Manager for the South East region of the National Trust and Strategic Manager of National Trust properties in Sussex and Surrey. Announcing the appointment, Professor Stanley Wells, Chairman of the Trustees, expressed confidence that Dr Owen has all the necessary qualities to lead the Trust successfully during the next phase of its development.

Dr Owen commented:
'I am really looking forward to taking up this post and building on the achievements of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in promoting Shakespeare and his connections with Stratford to local, national and international audiences. Facing up to the challenges of the tourism industry in the current uncertain global climate and developing a sustainable business in the long term working in partnership with others are critical to the Trust's future.'

Dr Roger Pringle commented:
'I am delighted to be handing over the reins of the Trust to someone who has such proven experience of managing historic houses and a strong background in education.  I am confident Diana Owen will build on the past and lead the Trust in new and exciting ways.'

The appointment of the new Director was the culmination of a process headed by the Chairman and Trustees of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, assisted by senior staff and by Saxton Bampfylde Hever plc – one of the UK’s leading executive headhunting firms.