New Chapter Steward and Chief Operating Officer for York Minster

York Minster announced yesterday the appointment of David Colthup as the new Chapter Steward and Chief Operating Officer from Monday 9th January 2023 overseeing the Cathedral’s day to day operations.

York Minster announced yesterday the appointment of David Colthup as the new Chapter Steward and Chief Operating Officer from Monday 9^th January 2023 overseeing the Cathedral’s day to day operations.

With a career in the army for over 30 years, David was originally commissioned into the Green Howards and has commanded Yorkshire soldiers around the world on operations and training. His most recent post was Director of Operations for all Army recruiting and initial training.

The Dean of York, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, said: “In addition to his exceptional operational experience and expertise, David is an inspirational leader with a proven track record in supporting and valuing people and their contribution as individuals and teams.”

He will lead and support a team covering governance, security, safeguarding, HR, finance, retail, visitor welcome, events, learning, marketing, music, IT, historic collections and care of the buildings and land within the York Minster precinct.

David takes charge as the Minster continues its progress to bounce back after Covid, which left it seeking redundancies in 2020 due to a £5.2 million shortfall. It also closed the Minster School, which is now being turned into the Minster’s first café as part of the new plans for the Minster precinct.

David said: “I am really looking forward to the challenge of learning about the people, the place and the sheer complexity of this fascinating cathedral, the Mother Church of the Northern Province of the Church of England. “I am particularly excited to have the opportunity to work with the great team of people at York Minster.”