The Trustees of ICOM UK are pleased to announce two key appointments for 2025 to strengthen our leadership and support the implementation of our new strategic plan.
Maria Blyzinsky elected as ICOM UK’s new Co-Chair

Maria Blyzinsky has been elected as Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees for ICOM UK. As a trustee for ICOM UK since 2023 and a champion of heritage protection, Maria has been responsible for liaison with the UK branch of Blue Shield International. She has also
coordinated a partnership project to develop a new museum guide to decolonisation focused on Ukraine, the result of a successful collaboration between ICOM UK, ICOM Ukraine, the Ukrainian Institute, the Museums Association and British Council. Maria brings a wealth of experience more broadly from the sector through her work as a heritage consultant and independent curator. Her leadership and experience on the Board will be invaluable as we launch ICOM UK’s new strategy during 2025.
Christian Baars, Co-Chair of ICOM UK said: ‘The Co-Chair model has proved very successful for ICOM UK since its introduction in 2021. Having already worked very closely with Maria in the past couple of years, I admire her energy, can-do attitude and wisdom. I very much look forward to working with her on the next phase for ICOM UK.’
Maria Blyzinsky said: ‘It’s an honour to be handed the baton of Co-Chair for ICOM UK. I’m looking forward to working with the wider team to help make ICOM UK even more engaging, relevant and dynamic for our UK members as well as finding new ways to support the global ICOM community.’
We also extend our sincere gratitude to Nick Marchand, who stepped down as Co-Chair of ICOM UK in December 2024 following four years of dedicated service. Nick’s leadership, commitment and expertise in the international museums sector have been vital in shaping ICOM UK through an important transition to a more sustainable organisation that better supports its membership. Nick has left the UK to pursue a new role as Director, Global Engagement at Museums Victoria in Australia and we wish him all the very best for the future.
Kristina Broughton appointed as Strategic Director of ICOM UK

We are equally delighted to welcome Kristina Broughton as ICOM UK’s new Strategic Director. Kristina joins us on 10 February 2025 from recent roles as CEO of Wessex Museums Trust and Chair of the South West Federation of Museums & Galleries. Kristina has an impressive background in cultural leadership, strategic programmes, complex partnerships and membership organisations, and will lead the launch and implementation of ICOM UK’s new strategic plan.
Speaking about the appointment, Kristina said: ’I feel privileged to be joining ICOM UK as Strategic Director at this exciting time for the organisation. I am looking forward to collaborating with the Trustees, team and partners to deliver the new strategic plan, support ICOM UK to fulfil its potential as an organisation, and provide value to our members.’
We would also like to thank Kate Arthurs for her outstanding work as Interim Strategic Director of ICOM UK over the past year. Kate stepped into the interim role at a time of transition for the organisation and has been instrumental to the development of the new strategic plan and our strategic partnerships. We are incredibly grateful for Kate’s contribution to ICOM UK and wish her every success with her future endeavours.