Sept. 25, 2026
By James Lea
Norman Broadbent is delighted to have supported Chelsea Arts Club in the appointment of Verena Cornwall MBE as Club Secretary and Managing Director, following an extensive global executive search led by James Lea, Partner, and Anna-Maeve Thomas, Senior Associate.
The appointment marks a significant moment in the history of the Club, with Verena becoming its first female Club Secretary and Managing Director, 136 years after Chelsea Arts Club was founded in 1890.
One of London's most distinctive member-owned institutions, Chelsea Arts Club was established to support artistic fellowship, hospitality and the advancement of art. Today, its 4,200 members are supported by a thriving hospitality operation and year-round cultural programme, including dining, accommodation, exhibitions, events and the legendary Chelsea Arts Club Summer Ball.
Verena joins at an important point in the Club's evolution, as it looks towards a period of organisational development, financial strengthening and physical renewal, including a long-planned building project designed to create facilities for future generations while preserving the distinctive character of the Club.
Leadership for a distinctive institution
The search called for a distinctive combination of experience. As the Club's most senior executive, the Club Secretary and Managing Director has responsibility for its overall leadership and performance, combining operational leadership, financial stewardship and cultural custodianship.
Alongside responsibility for the day-to-day running of a significant hospitality operation, the successful candidate needed the commercial and financial capability to support the Club's long-term sustainability, the judgement to work effectively with its Board, Council and membership, and an appreciation of the unique balance between tradition and renewal that will shape its next chapter.
Just as importantly, the brief called for someone able to lead with what the Club described as "quiet authority" – bringing professionalism and sound judgement while respecting the traditions and values of a highly individual, member-led institution.
Norman Broadbent undertook a comprehensive global search, engaging with more than 200 individuals worldwide and looking beyond traditional sector boundaries for leaders who could combine operational and commercial capability with cultural understanding.
Gareth Thomas, Chair of the Trading Board at Chelsea Arts Club, commented:
“A couple of features of the work done for Chelsea Arts deserve mention. Firstly, Norman Broadbent (through James Lea) assembled a broad and varied, but appropriately skilled list of candidates for our consideration. Secondly, their contact with us throughout the process was excellent. When we needed advice or guidance, they provided it promptly. We are very pleased to have appointed a candidate who seems as well suited for the position as Verena.”
Deep cultural and leadership experience
Verena brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across museums, charitable organisations, cultural venues and member-led institutions.
Her career has included senior positions at the Imperial War Museum, English National Ballet School and Royal Hospital Chelsea in the UK; the National Children's Science Centre, St Patrick's Festival and the Arts Council in Ireland; and work in Europe as a Founding Partner of the Circostrada Network and Circusnext Platform.
She also brings a deep understanding of Chelsea and its cultural community. At Kensington and Chelsea Council, Verena managed Public Art Commissions, Leighton House, Portobello Road Market and the hosting of Notting Hill Carnival, and has worked with organisations including Chelsea Heritage Quarter, King's Road Partnership and Chelsea Theatre.
Speaking about her appointment, Verena said:
“The Chelsea Arts Club is the place where artists gather, celebrate, argue, collaborate and make things happen. As the Club Secretary and Managing Director, I am delighted to have a rare opportunity to help shape the future of one of London's most distinctive cultural institutions at a moment of renewal, investment and opportunity.”
Reflecting on the search, she added:
“It has been a pleasure working with Norman Broadbent. Throughout the recruitment process, I felt a genuine interest in the experience and skills that I could bring to this impactful role. I have been really impressed by the care that James and Anna-Maeve from Norman Broadbent took in ensuring that this appointment was an excellent match for all parties.”
We are proud to have supported Chelsea Arts Club through that process and wish Verena, the Board, Council, membership and wider team every success for the future.
