Michael Day trained as a history curator in Norwich and later worked at Ironbridge before directing Jersey Heritage Trust from 1987.  He was CEO of Historic Royal Palaces from 2003-17, where he led organisational transformation and major projects at the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace, and Hillsborough Castle. 

He has served as chair of Battersea Arts Centre and The Royal Tennis Court, and as a trustee of The National Trust, Ironbridge Heritage Foundation and Alnwick Garden Trust.  He has taught and lectured around the world on cultural leadership, governance and historic site interpretation.

Michael has an Honorary Doctorate from Kingston University, won the Museums & Heritage Outstanding Achievement award and was appointed Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 2015.  He moved to Edinburgh in 2022 and lives in the New Town.