Paul Griffiths will start at the 64-hectare, Grade I-listed garden’s manager from 5 November. He will work with the board of trustees to increase visitor numbers and develop Painshill as a major heritage attraction and education centre.
Griffiths moves into horticulture following more than 20 years’ experience within the leisure and heritage sectors including head of operations for the New Mary Rose Museum and working at a senior level for London Historic Properties at English Heritage.
In July 2018 Southampton Solent University awarded him an honorary doctorate in business for services to tourism, heritage and conservation.
Griffiths said: "The landscape garden is sensational and as a visitor attraction it is a real hidden gem. I very much look forward to working with the trustees, staff and volunteers to develop and deliver a strategy which will enable Painshill to realise its full potential."
Chairman of Painshill Park Trust Richard Reay-Smith added: "With Paul’s expertise on board, the trust is confident that Painshill, which has won many awards for its exemplary restoration will become recognised as one of the finest 18th century landscape gardens in Europe.
"We must increase visitor numbers so that many more people are able to enjoy Painshill and to ensure it will be preserved for the benefit of future generations. Paul has an impressive career background and we are very pleased that he has joined our team of staff and volunteers who are dedicated to achieving that result.
