Richard Parry

Richard was born in Nottingham and raised just outside the city attending a local comprehensive school before going on to the Universities of Durham and Warwick.

In his professional career Richard spent 19 years at London Underground, including 8 years as a Director and nearly a year as acting Managing Director. After a short spell in national rail with First Group, he joined the Canal & River Trust as Chief Executive where he led and shaped the new charity caring for the nation’s inland waterways network for 12 years, stepping down in July 2025.

Richard brings to the Council his experience of operating large, complex and iconic institutions, including developing strategies for future sustainability and an understanding of customer service and wider economic and social impacts.

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