Football museum welcomes restaurateur in hiring drive

The National Football Museum has appointed LEIGH GELL, KARAN RAI and STEVE WILSON to its board of trustees, alongside SIMON ANDERSON, who is set to join its trading company board.

A restaurateur, consultant and entrepreneur, Anderson cofounded Next Phase, which aims to turn vacant spaces into thriving hospitality and leisure destinations.

Rai meanwhile is an equality, diversity and inclusion insights and research manager. Previously, he worked in the criminal justice sector as a prison officer and as ambassador network manager for Unlocked Graduates.

Wilson is the group chief finance officer at Greater Manchester Combined Authority, as well as the non-executive director and deputy at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust.

The lead for women’s and girls’ football at Manchester FA, Gell is involved in developing, growing and diversifying the sport across Greater Manchester.

Welcoming the new appointees, the Manchester museum said the new additions “bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise”.