New Chairman appointed to the National Garden Scheme
After six years as Chairman of the National Garden Scheme, Martin McMillan OBE, will be succeeded by Rupert Tyler (pictured) following the Trustee meeting on 18th November.
Martin spent nine years as a Trustee before his appointment as Chairman in 2014 and, during his term of office, saw both garden income and donations reach record levels for the garden visiting charity that has been supporting vital nursing and health charities since 1927.
Commenting on the new appointment, Martin McMillan said:
“I am delighted to welcome Rupert Tyler as my successor as Chairman of the National Garden Scheme. Rupert will officially take over at the forthcoming Board Meeting of Trustees on 18th November. He has been one of our Trustees since 2014 and has regularly provided invaluable input at our meetings. Rupert is a keen gardener and has opened his London garden in Clapham for many years. His involvement with the National Garden Scheme along with his experience of business and finance gathered during his distinguished career make him – in my eyes – the ideal individual to lead this wonderful charity as Chairman.”
Rupert brings a wealth of experience spanning different sectors, supported by his strong business background and underpinned by an understanding of the vital importance of diversity and inclusion in all areas of society.
“I am hugely excited to take over the helm at the National Garden Scheme after Martin McMillan’s brilliantly successful tenure,” said Rupert.
CEO of National Garden Scheme, George Plumptre adds:
“During his six years as Chairman Martin has increasingly made his mark, whether in his leadership of the Trustees or in the public perception of the charity. During his term of office a number of major innovations have been launched, notably the Gardens and Health programme in 2016 and the new branding in 2017. Martin’s role has also been decisive in his leadership of our partnerships with beneficiary charities. The National Garden Scheme has been very fortunate to have had such a dedicated person as Chairman and I now look forward to working with Rupert to build upon Martin’s contribution.”
More about Rupert Tyler
Rupert Tyler read Classics and Modern Languages at Oxford after which he embarked on a career in the city at Brewin Dolphin. Originally a relatively small, private client stockbroking house, Rupert has been part of the team that has transformed it into one of the UK’s leading wealth managers over the past 35 years. During this time he has managed a wide range of private client portfolios including Trusts, Personal Pensions, Charities and Private Charitable Trusts.
He has held a wide variety of positions within the organisation including Head of the London Office, Head of Regional Directors, Head of Charities, and is currently Editor of the firm’s award-winning magazine, Perspective. Having set up an office in Guernsey, Rupert was Head of the Guernsey and Jersey offices for many years. Latterly, he has also focussed on Brewin’s ESG policies and set up the Diversity and Inclusion Committee from a standing start; he also chairs the firm’s Corporate Responsibility Committee.
Rupert has played a significant role in Brewin’s horticultural experience and has been responsible for appointing a number of medal-winning designers for Brewin Dolphin gardens at RHS Chelsea (including Cleve West – Best in Show) and Chatsworth. He has long had an interest in gardens and gardening and grew up in a rich horticultural environment with both his parents and his grandparents keen gardeners in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Alderney. He and his partner have created their own garden in London over the last 30 years and have been opening for the National Garden Scheme for the last 14 years. Their garden has been featured in many magazines and TV shows. Both are Liverymen of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners.
