New chair for Museum Foundation

The Foundation for the WA Museum has appointed two new members to the board, with Nev Power set to become its chair.

The former Fortescue Metals Group chief executive will take over as chair of the foundation board later this month, replacing Justin Mannolini, who has held the role for the past six years.

Also joining the foundation board is Michelle Tremain, current managing partner of PwC Perth.

Mr Power currently chairs the Perth Airport board, and was the managing director and chief executive of Fortescue Metals Group from 2011 to 2018.

During his tenure, Fortescue quadrupled its production to more than 170 million tonnes per annum.

Mr Power will support the foundation to reach its goal of raising $35 million for the Discovery Endowment Fund, which will enable the museum to bring international exhibitions to Western Australia.

The WA Museum is currently developing a new centrally located museum to be completed in 2020, but also operates in several other locations across WA.

“I am delighted that Nev has agreed to take over as foundation chair,” Mr Mannolini said.

“His experience in developing and leading high performance teams, coupled with his reputation and profile at a national and international level, will add great value to the board and enhance the foundation’s ability to reach its fundraising goal in time for the opening of the New Museum in 2020.”

Ms Tremain leads PwC Perth’s national indirect taxes practice, and is involved as PwC’s national GST government and not-for-profit sector leader.

She is a current board member of the Perth Theatre Trust and sits on the Curtin Business School Advisory board.

Foundation for the WA Museum chief executive Jenny Allen said she looked forward to capitalising on Mr Power and Ms Tremain’s networks and corporate reputations to raise the profile of the foundation and to highlight the supportive work it does for the WA Museum. 

“We have been fortunate to have a visionary chair in Justin Mannolini and I am confident that Nev Power will bring his own leadership style and passion to the role: my team and I are very proud to be working under his leadership,” she said.

“Michelle’s vast experience and involvement with our sector will also contribute significantly to the foundation’s strategy and governance.”