Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust Welcomes New CEO
Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust is excited to announce the appointment of new Chief Executive, Mr Paul Crofts, who will officially begin his role in November 2024.
Crofts steps into the position following the early retirement of Mrs Traci Dix-Williams, who has served as CEO for nearly nine years.
Under outgoing CEO Traci’s leadership, the Trust has navigated numerous challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession. During her time, the Trust has flourished, growing its business, enhancing its profile, and winning several prestigious awards for its projects, customer service, and volunteer programs.
Reflecting on her time at the Trust, Traci said:
“I have had a wonderful, challenging, and enriching time serving as the Chief Executive of Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust. It is an amazing organisation and charitable Trust with an incredible history and exciting future, all set in a unique geological area, right in the heart of Dudley.
Stepping down has been a difficult decision but knowing it will be in the care of its new CEO, Paul Crofts, has made this easier. He is full of ideas, energy, and respect for everything cultural attractions such as the Trust aspire to be and to deliver to their wide-ranging audiences. The team at the Trust are hardworking and dedicated, and I know they will give Paul a very warm and supportive welcome.”
– Traci Dix-Williams
Paul Crofts brings with him a wealth of experience in heritage and cultural management. Crofts is eager to continue building on the strong foundation laid by his predecessor.
Paul expressed:
“I am absolutely thrilled to join the Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust and look forward to working with the Board, staff, volunteers, and community to continue the excellent work that Traci has delivered, based on the amazing legacy the Trust has developed over its many years.
The Trust offers a truly unique experience, delivered by an incredibly passionate group of people—something that we should all be proud of regionally. I’m privileged to be a part of its next exciting chapter. Having joined from the Black Country Living Museum, I understand the historical and cultural significance of preserving the area’s heritage, particularly recognising the role of its canals and unique geology, along with acknowledging the stories of the people, past and present, all of which make the Black Country what it is today.”
– Paul Crofts
Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust looks forward to an exciting future under Paul Crofts’ leadership and thanks Traci Dix-Williams for her many years of dedicated service.
Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust is a unique heritage attraction located in the heart of the West Midlands. We offer visitors an unforgettable journey through a network of historic limestone tunnels and caverns, carved beneath the town of Dudley. Our guided boat trips provide a fascinating insight into the region’s industrial past, showcasing stunning underground scenery and historical features. As a charitable organisation, we are dedicated to preserving this important part of the UK’s industrial heritage and providing educational experiences for all ages. Our site includes a visitor center with interactive exhibits, a gift shop, and a café, ensuring a memorable day out for families, school groups, and history enthusiasts alike.
Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust is part of the Black Country Global Geopark, which celebrates the geological and cultural heritage of the region.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Emily Evans
Marketing, PR & Fundraising Lead
emily@dctt.org.uk