East End Women’s Museum refreshes board

East End Women’s Museum has appointed CATHERINE OWEN as chair, alongside new trustee LAURA SAINSBURY and communications trustee FREYA BARRY.

Owen, who succeeds former chair ALEX RUNSWICK, is the head of marketing and events at The British Academy. She has previously worked at historic venues including Syon House, The British Museum, The Royal Institution and Royal Museums Greenwich. 

Head of public policy, commercial and institutional banking at NatWest Group, Sainsbury was previously chief operating officer for Labour in the City and public affairs director at FTI Consulting.

Barry is media manager at the British Library and has worked at Science Museum Group as a senior press officer.

Owen said: “As an East End resident, I want to help preserve and share the voices of working-class and diverse women, making our histories accessible, visible and celebrated.

“I’ll be using my experience in communications and events across heritage, higher education and cultural spaces to support the museum’s work in community education and engagement.”