Chair of the Board: Paul Mainds BEM

Appointed by: Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

After studying at both Leeds and Durham Universities Paul enjoyed two careers. Firstly, in the European transport industry, when he ran a High Wycombe based international company and during which time he chaired the CBI’s Southern Region. He then made a career change becoming Chief Executive and subsequently Trustee of the River & Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames, in which role he promoted several Thames and environment related education and outreach programmes. Paul was recognised in 2014 Birthday Honours list for his ‘contribution to heritage education’.

Since retirement Paul has been active in several non-executive roles, including Chair of the National Paralympic Heritage Trust and a Trustee of the National Football Museum, Manchester. Currently, he is a member of the advisory board for the Museum of English Rural Life (University of Reading) and chairs the Arts Council England funded ‘Museums Partnership Reading’.

Paul has a particular interest in widening participation and exploring opportunities for more diverse communities to enjoy the Chilterns and all that they have to offer.

Paul has lived in the Chilterns all his life and in the Marlow area for the last forty-five years. He still rows regularly and is a keen dog walker.

Paul was appointed Chairman of the Chilterns Conservation Board in April 2021.