we have appointed Debbie Asbury as Director of Finance, beginning her post on Monday 12 October 2026.
Debbie is a CIMA‑qualified senior finance leader with more than 25 years’ experience across central government, public bodies and the charity sector. She joins the Horniman from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology where she was the Finance Director for Building Digital UK and has previously held senior roles at DCMS and Cancer Research UK.
I am so excited to be joining the Horniman. Its values and its unique role as a museum and gardens resonate strongly with me, it is a really special place. I am looking forward to getting to know all of my new colleagues, learning all about the museum and ensuring finance is at the heart of everything we do so that we can deliver the museum’s mission and long-term objectives.
Also joining our senior leadership team is Emma Evans, who will provide maternity cover for Director of Audiences and Income, Annie Duffield. Emma was most recently Communications and Marketing Director at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, and previously Chief Marketing Officer at the Eden Project Cornwall for many years. She will begin the interim appointment on Wednesday 21 October.
We’re so glad to welcome Debbie to the senior management team, and look forward to benefiting from her strong blend of public sector and charity finance experience. Emma is another welcome addition to our team, and her skills will be invaluable in leading our communications and income generation work until Annie returns.