The Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, has announced the appointment of Professor Martin Levermore as its new chair, following an extensive search. Professor Levermore will take up the role in October 2025, chairing a Board of Trustees of 15 with ultimate responsibility for the award-winning Museum’s operation, performance and development. Duncan Bedhall, Acting Chair since April 2025.
Martin greatly impressed the selection panel with his strategic clarity, vision, business experience and acumen, understanding of the Black Country and the role and contribution of the Museum to a better society. All that, much more and Martin’s humility made him the standout choice. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dr Paul Belford, Chair from 2020 and a Trustee since 2016, for his highly effective leadership. And as I return to the backbenches, so to speak, I want to thank my fellow Trustees and Andrew for all their support and encouragement during my interim leadership of the Board.
- Duncan Bedhall, Board Member, Black Country Living Museum
I feel honoured, delighted and excited in equal measure to be appointed as the Museum’s new chair. As a West Midlander and living in Bloxwich – deep in the Black Country – I have admired the Museum for a long time. I am so looking forward to working with my fellow Trustees on the Board and Andrew’s team to ensure the Museum continues to thrive. The Museum is an essential part of the connected tissue of our region, and I want to ensure it makes an even greater contribution to the innovation and national understanding of the Black Country, its future economic growth and prosperity, wellbeing and positive social mobility.
- Professor Martin Levermore MBE, DL, Chair, Black Country Living Museum
Andrew Lovett OBE, Chief Executive, said, “What a pleasure it is to welcome Martin to the Museum; the seventh long-term chair since the charitable trust was established 50 years ago in 1975. I know Martin shares my belief that the Museum is a force for good in the service of the Black Country community and has so much more to give. I’m especially enthusiastic to draw on Martin’s strategic thinking, regional reputation and deep humanitarian skills. I also want to add my heartfelt thanks to Dr Paul Belford and Duncan Bedhall for their support and leadership.
- Andrew Lovett OBE, Chief Executive, Black Country Living Museum
