Krishnan Guru-Murthy among two new ambassadors at Kew

This article was first published by the Museums+Heritage Advisor.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has appointed journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy and broadcaster Swarzy Shire as ambassadors, with Guru-Murthy transitioning to the role after serving six years as a trustee of the organisation.

Guru-Murthy, presenter of Channel 4 News for more than 25 years, most recently served as chair of Kew’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. In his trustee role, he championed the launch of Kew’s £1 ticket offer for beneficiaries of Universal Credit or Pension Credit.

Shire, who hosts BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Weekend Breakfast Show and founded Too Much Source, a creative platform for young and diverse voices, chaired a session at Kew’s ‘Futureproofing: Youth, Education and Climate Change’ event in November. The event was co-hosted by Richard Deverell, Director of RBG Kew, and Mete Coban, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy.

The appointments bring Kew’s ambassador programme to 14 public figures, including Cate Blanchett, James Wong and Dame Judi Dench. The ambassadors support the organisation’s work across horticulture, science, education and training through storytelling, advocacy and public engagement.