Director - Cultural Activities
for Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI)
How Moon looked for transferable skills and cultural fit to strengthen the Board of Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI) with the appointment of a Director to lead on its cultural activities.
Background
At Moon Executive Search, we are often asked how experienced business leaders can broaden their skills to further their executive careers. Trustee roles can provide exactly that opportunity and for some can even be the route to their first C-suite position or a pathway to the c-suite in larger organisations.
Placing the right voluntary director or trustee in the right organisation can be a win-win situation for both candidate and charity. The professional brings their expertise and insight to the organisation whilst they gain exposure to new sectors, new challenges and different styles of governance.
That was very much the case for Graham Brant's appointment as a Director at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution (BRLSI) based in Queen Square, Bath, and established in 1824. We had worked with BRLSI previously in 2023, supporting the successful appointment of the organisation's Chair of the Finance Committee.
The candidate
Graham Brant first came onto Moon’s radar through a previous trustee search. While that opportunity required charity sector experience, Graham had an impressive resume and skillset many charities sought. Sandy Hinks, Head of Charity Practice, recognised Graham had the intellectual curiosity, strategic thinking and a desire to make a difference that many of her charity clients look for.
An engineer by training, Graham has built an international career leading technology, digital transformation and operational change programmes. His experience spans organisations including Microsoft, the BBC and global businesses undergoing complex transformation.
When BRLSI launched its search with Moon for a new Trustee and Director-level volunteer to lead on its cultural activities, Graham immediately came to mind. Through its public lectures, collections, exhibitions and Academy of Imagination programme for schools and families, BRLSI is dedicated to making knowledge more accessible, championing curiosity and innovation, and inspiring future generations to engage with science, literature and the arts — everything that Graham was keen to support.
Graham was also looking for an opportunity that offered something different from his executive responsibilities. He wanted to contribute with a positive social impact and immerse himself in a completely different style of organisation to the tech firms he had previously worked with.
Bringing new perspectives to the Board
What impressed BRLSI was Graham’s track record of helping organisations adapt and embrace change. The Board saw Graham as someone who could challenge constructively, think strategically and contribute a different perspective alongside those with heritage sector experience.
The value of trustee opportunities
For Graham, the role offered the chance to apply decades of leadership experience in a new context, contribute to an organisation dedicated to learning and discovery, and gain insight into charity governance and cultural leadership.
For BRLSI, it brought a trustee whose background in science, technology and transformation aligned with the organisation’s needs and helped to broaden the knowledge and skillset of the Board.
As search consultants, this is exactly the type of appointment we aim to create: not simply filling a vacancy but connecting talented individuals with organisations where they can make a difference.
“We weren’t looking for someone from a cultural background. We were looking for someone who could bring fresh thinking, strategic leadership and a genuine enthusiasm for BRLSI’s mission. Graham’s engineering and technology background aligned naturally with BRLSI’s scientific heritage, while the trustee role gave him exposure to a completely new governance environment. It was a great match for both parties.”
“Graham brings invaluable expertise, energy and perspective to the Board. We are delighted to have him take on this vital strategic role as we continue to develop BRLSI as the city’s cultural and learning hub.”
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