Blackhawk Automotive Museum Names Tim McGrane as Executive Director

DANVILLE,California. (January 14, 2013) – The highly regarded Blackhawk Automotive Museum has named Timothy P. McGrane as its Executive Director, effective February 1, 2013.  The announcement was made by Mr. Don Williams, President of the Board, and one of the founders of the Museum along with Ken Behring its benefactor.  Williams reflected that McGrane’s passion for automobiles in combination with his business experience made him the perfect choice for the position.

“I have known Tim for over 20 years,” explained Williams. “Tim has a truly encyclopedic knowledge of the world’s finest cars.  Perhaps more importantly, he has considerable experience in creating and running successful businesses, developing events and displays the public loves to attend, and developing relationships with a wide variety of business partners.  All of these skills, and his considerable personal integrity, will be put to good use in his new position with our museum.  We are very proud to have him heading up our team.” 

“I am delighted and eager to work with Don once again,” stated Tim. “He is a true icon, known and respected for his love, passion and knowledge of the automotive industry.  I’m also pleased to be returning to the Bay area and to join the museum in such a milestone year.”

A native of England, Tim is a lifelong automobile enthusiast.  He spent the early part of his career involved in the highly specialized world of automotive auctions, serving as Director of Operations for Rick Cole Auctions.  With the acquisition of Rick Cole Auction by the internationally recognized Blackhawk Collection, Tim was promoted to Commercial & Operations Director.  In his new capacity, Tim has managed an even larger series of events hosted by the Blackhawk Collection in the U.S. and internationally.  Having built an outstanding reputation in the industry of integrity and competence, Tim joined Barrett-Jackson, one of the world’s most recognized automotive auction houses, as Vice President Marketing & Corporate Communications.

For the past decade, Tim has successfully developed and executed marketing and event strategies in the luxury automotive, private aviation and luxury yacht worlds.  He held the position of Vice President of Event Marketing for Curtco Media, where he and his division created the “Best of the Best” event franchise for Robb Report magazine.  More recently, as Events & Business Development Director for the Sandow Worth Media Group, he launched the Curator/Global Luxury Lifestyle event series.  These events, which achieved legendary status, elevated the presence of some of the world’s most esteemed brands and publications.

Tim is recognized as a pioneer in the world of luxury and lifestyle events.  He is widely known and respected in the ultra-luxury and collector car circles, and he is a Committee Chair for the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and a consultant to the Credit Suisse Classic Car Program.  Over the years, Tim has used his expertise and network to create environments where respected businesses and their high caliber clients can meet and enjoy life while conducting business. 

“I feel very privileged to have been asked to take on this role to head up theBlackhawkMuseum.  I’ve been around cars my whole life; it is my greatest passion,” Tim reflected. “This is a unique opportunity to be able to begin the Blackhawk Automotive Museum’s next 25 years with the truly special feeling it had when it first opened, but also to be relevant and successful in today’s world.”

Founded by a partnership between Ken Behring and Don Williams which began in 1982, the internationally renowned Blackhawk Automotive Museum first opened its doors in August of 1988.  Housed in a spectacular 70,000 square-foot architectural masterpiece, it showcases a rotating collection of 70 rolling automotive sculptures in a unique “jewel box” like setting.

A year-long 25^th Anniversary celebration began with a Gala and Auction on November 17, 2012.  Numerous special exhibitions and displays of significant automotive treasures blending art, technology, culture and history will be held during the course of the year.  The high point of the celebration will be the 25^th Anniversary Gala held at the Museum on Saturday, August 10, 2013.

As one of the world’s leading museums of automotive art and design, theBlackhawkAutomotiveMuseumis renowned for its unparalleled collection of one-of-a-kind custom coachwork and limited production automobiles. The Museum has showcased some of the greatest and most beautiful classic and collector cars ever created.

To mark the occasion of its 25^th Anniversary, the Museum has formed a Host Committee comprised of prominent members from the international classic car world.  Their input and support will ensure that the activities and future programs of the Museum are in tune with the thinking of some of the world’s foremost automotive aficionados.