Dr. Tom True has been announced as the new Executive Director for Hay Castle, in the heart of Hay-on-Wye, as the historic site prepares to open fully to the public for the first time in its 900-year history.

Tom, who takes up his post in March, holds a PhD in Art History from Cambridge University and has worked in leadership roles for cultural institutions in Rome, Narbonne and London.

Welcoming the news, Tom said: “It’s an incredible privilege to be leading Hay Castle at such an exciting turning point in its history. Hay Castle is a special place, set in a magical town and landscape. It has the potential to become a cultural centre of international importance, and a major new hub for the community, for the arts and learning. I can’t wait to get started and play a part in the next chapter of its story.”

Sue Malthouse, Chair of Hay Castle Trust, added: “We’re delighted to have Tom on board as our new Executive Director. This is a vital role in steering the castle and we had some great candidates, but Tom’s fantastic mix of skills, experience, vision and enthusiasm really shone through. He will be taking up the baton from Nancy Lavin Albert who, over the last ten years, has taken the castle from crumbling ruin to major new venue, and the Trustees would like to pay tribute to her for the tremendous job she has done in.”

Tom joins Hay Castle just as it prepares to open its doors, after the biggest restoration in its history, this summer. His first tasks will be to recruit the remainder of the castle’s new team, as well as relocating with his wife and young family from Somerset to Hay-on-Wye.