Western Australian Museum chief executive officer Alec Coles has been presented with an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Mr Coles, who relocated to Western Australia in March last year, was awarded the OBE in recognition for his services to museums - particularly for his work as director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums where he worked on the creation of the Great North Museum in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Mr Coles, who has built a reputation for increasing the diversity of museum audiences, said he was honoured and humbled by the award.

“I am extremely proud to receive it but in truth it recognizes the exceptional work of all my former staff and colleagues at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums,” Mr Coles said.

WA Museum Board of Trustees Chairman Tim Ungar congratulated Mr Coles on behalf of staff and the Board, saying the Museum had already benefited greatly from his experience and drive.

“Alec has been with the Museum for just under a year and has shown decisive and innovative leadership as he positions the organisation as a strong visitor destination within Western Australia,” Mr Ungar said.

“During this time, the Museum successfully presented the blockbuster exhibition A Day in Pompeii to a record audience of 113,000 visitors in 2010 and a comprehensive business case has been prepared and presented to the State Government towards the goal of building a new flagship museum for the State.

“In addition, Alec’s inclusive approach and commercial acumen have proven to be the driving force behind an increasingly influential and diverse network of supporters.

“His keen sense of what the Western Australian Museum can become has invigorated it with a new sense of purpose and direction and the benefits are becoming clear for all to see.”

Caroline Lacy, Western Australian Museum T. (08) 9212 3860 M. 0414 381761.