LONDON.- The Design Museum, which opened in its new home in Kensington on 24 November, has announced two new appointments. Lord Mandelson is appointed as the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He will replace current Chairman, Luqman Arnold in March 2017. Alice Black, Deputy Director of the museum, will become Co-Director with Deyan Sudjic.

Chairman Luqman Arnold said: ‘The Trustees are delighted to announce these appointments. Peter Mandelson’s wide experience of both the political and business worlds together with his passion for design will be of enormous benefit to the museum. Alice Black has been an outstanding Deputy Director with particular responsibility for the delivery of this building project on time and on budget. The Design Museum is in a secure position with an exciting future.’

Lord Mandelson said: ‘To take over as chair of the Design Museum as it starts this huge new chapter in its life is very exciting and a great outlet for the love of design I have nurtured all my life. I want the museum not only to be a warm, interesting place to visit but also a means of promoting first rate design in industry, services and public policy. Luqman Arnold will be a hard act to follow. The new Museum stands as a permanent tribute to his endeavor together with Deyan Sudjic, Alice Black and, of course, Sir Terence Conran.’

Director Deyan Sudjic: ‘The Design Museum is fortunate to have had such a committed and effective Chairman as Luqman Arnold who has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees since 2005. For more than ten years his enthusiasm and diplomacy have allowed the museum to flourish. Without him we would not have been able to make the transition to our new home. Thanks to his leadership and generosity, we are able to welcome the public to what we are confident will be the leading institution of its kind. The world of contemporary design and architecture is in his debt. I personally owe him for the unique opportunity that I have had to lead the museum. I would also like to acknowledge the vital and generous part Johannes Huth, the Deputy Chair for the last 5 years, has had in steering the project to completion. We are equally fortunate at this important moment in Luqman Arnold’s successor. Lord Mandelson’s enormous experience and his commitment to design will be a vital help to us as the museum develops its plans for the future. For me personally, the appointment of Alice Black a Co-Director is a wonderful development. We have worked together for over nine years and so much of our current success is due to her outstanding talent and ability.’

Since the museum opened in Kensington on 24 November, it has had 25,000 visitors including 17,500 over its opening weekend.