Maggie Appleton MBE was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Air Force Museum in October 2014 and took up her post on 12 January 2015. She has 25 years’ experience in the sector and is passionate about the difference that museums and culture can make to people’s lives.

Before joining the Royal Air Force Museum, Maggie worked in Luton for 12 years, for six as director of museums and latterly as the Chief Executive of Luton Culture, the charity that comprises the arts, libraries, community centres and museums in the town. Her previous roles were in Stevenage and at the Royal Armouries.

Maggie led the consultation, fundraising and development of Stockwood Discovery Centre in Luton that opened in 2008 and welcomes over 200,000 visitors a year. She was also responsible for securing the medieval Wenlok Jug for the UK after its export stopped in 2006. Maggie is a Board member of the Museums Association and an East of England Committee Member for the Heritage Lottery Fund. Maggie is married with two boys and is a keen cyclist and reader.

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