Welcome to Steve O’Connor, Director

In July the Museum welcomed it’s new Director, Steve O’Connor.  He has inherited the unique opportunity to rearticulate the museum’s offering in its 25th year, and to help shape the overall organisation into a financially viable charity that truly opens the world of rowing to all.

Steve is an experienced leader in the charity sector as CEO of Fulham Reach Boat Club (FRBC), which he founded in 2013 and ran until summer 2023. His vision, to use the sport of rowing to help those from disadvantaged backgrounds in and around London, has positively impacted the lives of around 2,000 people a year. From scratch, he has developed a thriving charitable organisation, putting at the heart of his leadership an unwavering passion for people, sport, and community.

Steve said of his appointment, “I am delighted to be taking up the post of Director at the River and Rowing Museum, at what is a truly exciting time. As a resident of Henley-on-Thames, I know the museum well, and I am immensely proud that I can now play a part in developing its next phase of growth. I am confident that I can bring an important level of credibility across all stakeholders, and I am hugely excited at the prospect of helping the River & Rowing Museum into the future.”