Birmingham Museums Trust names finance expert as trustee

Birmingham Museums Trust has appointed DEBORAH SPENCE as a trustee and chair of its finance and risk committee, succeeding CLIVE BAWDEN, who has led the panel since 2020.

Spence is founder and chief executive of DJS Consulting Solutions Ltd, a consultancy that supports service-based small and medium-sized enterprises with business growth strategies, coaching and consulting. She has more than 30 years’ experience as a chartered accountant, private equity adviser, chief financial officer and consultant.

Her career includes advising on management buy-outs and acquisitions at a Big Four accounting and consulting firm, as well as senior finance roles across sectors including media, travel, software-as-a-service, transport and fashion retail.

Spence currently holds a number of non-executive roles and has been a board member of Birmingham Royal Ballet since 2016.

Commenting on her appointment, Spence said she was “delighted” to be joining Birmingham Museums Trust at a time of significant development, including the phased reopening of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the launch of the Your Museums, Your Move fundraising campaign.

ZAK MENSAH, co-chief executive of Birmingham Museums Trust, said the appointment would strengthen the board following the recent launch of the trust’s five-year strategy.

“As a cultural business, Deborah’s experience will be invaluable, and we look forward to working together,” he said.