Matthew Butler, 48, has been appointed Chief Executive of “Save Canterbury Cathedral”, the campaign to raise £50m for essential conservation work and the long term funding to ensure the Cathedral’s future.

Matthew brings a range of experience to the task from the voluntary sector and the commercial world. A former Director of Communication for Thames Water plc and Amersham plc, he also chaired the board of Cotswold Care Hospice in Gloucestershire, where he launched the successful £3m appeal to build a new Hospice.

Mr Butler was also Assistant Private Secretary to The Prince of Wales from 1993-1996 and remains a part-time equerry to His Royal Highness, advising on historic churches and local regeneration projects near Highgrove House. 

The Very Reverend Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury said:

“I would like to offer Matthew a very warm welcome and we look forward to him joining the community here at Canterbury Cathedral. He has an essential role to play in that community and indeed for the future of our cathedral. I wish him well in the exciting role he is taking on.”

Viscount De L’Isle, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Canterbury Cathedral Trust Fund spoke of the appointment:

“We are delighted to appoint Matthew Butler and we all look forward to working with him. He brings to the role a wealth of knowledge and has the expertise and determination to ensure we achieve great things for the Save Canterbury Cathedral Appeal.”

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For further information please contact Shelley Nye, PR and Marketing Manager for the Save Canterbury Cathedral Appeal on 01227 865307, 07920 724723 or email nyes@canterbury-cathedral.org