The prospect of heading the team at an award winning museum with an enviable reputation and an impressive collection attracted Richard Doughty to the top job at Falmouth’s maritime museum – not to mention ridding himself of a four-hour daily commute.

After 11 years, Jonathan Griffin had his final day as director of the museum on Friday and there, ready to step into his shoes, was Richard, former chief executive and director of fundraising for the Cutty Sark Trust at Greenwich.

“I was appointed back in July so it seems like forever that I have been waiting to get down here and start. I am absolutely chomping at the bit,” he said. “I am joining at a very exciting time.

“There is some very exciting programming that’s being developed at the moment – our next big blockbuster show to replace the air, sea, rescue exhibition. Helping the team to deliver that very ambitious project is a great way of cutting my teeth here.”

Richard has uprooted his family from West Sussex to take on the role of director, but after holidaying in Cornwall in the past, the move has been welcomed by his wife, Jayne, and children, Izzy, 14; Katrina, eight, and Alexander, six.

Asked what attracted him to the job Richard said: “The collection and the reputation of the museum, and I also blame Jonathan because he said it was the best maritime museum job in the world.

“Falmouth, and particularly this museum, is punching above its weight which is fantastic.

“Also because I was working at Greenwich and there is a link between the two institutions so I was aware of what’s going on from a distance. One of the things that also drew my attention was the fact that this is where Cutty Sark was saved. She was spotted here, brought back here and restored here, so it kind of felt like a home from home.”

Richard has been finding his feet at the museum for the past few weeks and is very impressed with what he has found.

“This institution is no longer seen as something that has been imposed by London on Cornwall, but has actually built up a huge body of community spirit,” he said.

“I am absolutely gobsmacked that we have 180 active volunteers who are the lifeblood of this institution. I will look to strengthen the culture of volunteering because without that enthusiasm and commitment, this organisation would really struggle.”

The museum’s education programme also impresses Richard, who visited the museum as a “mystery shopper” before taking up his new role. “Seeing this place packed full of children was inspirational,” he said. “They are coming in because it’s an exciting museum and also because the teaching service provided here is absolutely first class. It is one of the beacons of the museum.”

Overall, Richard is delighted to be at the museum and living in Cornwall. “I am thrilled professionally and personally to have this opportunity,” he said. “It’s a huge privilege to have the chance to step into Jonathan’s shoes and take responsibility for the museum, but also to be living in the most beautiful part of the UK.”

On the subject of travelling to work he added: “I had a four-hour commute a day. Now I drive here from Truro in less time than it took me to walk to the railway station. I have suddenly discovered that I have a family life again.”