Museum chief named as new head of leading business organisation

Colin Philpott will take over the role at the beginning of next month after leaving the National Media Museum where he has been director for eight years.

He will take over from David Richardson, chairman of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who is giving up the role to dedicate more time to other business interests.

Bradford Breakthrough represents the city’s leading business organisations and provides a forum for collaboration and lobbying in the city.

Its members include Grattan, BT, Yorkshire Water, Yorkshire Building Society, Provident Finance, NG Bailey and Leeds-Bradford International Airport, as well as key public sector organisations such as Bradford University, the National Media Museum and the city council.

The Chairman of Bradford Breakthrough, Dr Trevor Higgins, said: “In what is an exciting time of rapid change for Bradford I am pleased to announce a leadership change at the helm of Bradford Breakthrough.”

He thanked Mr Richardson for his successful work over the past seven years, adding: “I am delighted that Colin Philpott has agreed to take over as chief executive of Breakthrough and I am looking forward to working alongside him in the years ahead.”

Mr Philpott said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue to play a role in the development of a city about which I feel passionate. I am looking forward to working with other organisations like the Bradford Chamber of Commerce, Positive Bradford and Bradford Council, to help take Bradford forward.”

It was announced last December that Mr Philpott was stepping down as director of the Media Museum, with the post being made redundant.

He will combine the part-time role at Bradford Breakthrough with consultancy work, university lecturing and other creative projects.