Richard Varner Named Chairman of Petersen Auto Museum
Noted collector, restoration expert, and CEO of MotoAmerica brings his years of expertise to the Petersen.
The Petersen Automotive Museum announced that Richard Varner has been named to chairman of its board of directors, effective January 2020. Varner has worked with the Los Angeles-based museum since 2013, serving as in the role of treasurer. The current Chairman, Peter Mullin, will continue his relationship with the Petersen, serving as vice chairman.
Varner is a perfect fit for the job. He has over 40 years of experience as an avid enthusiast and collector. As co-owner and CEO of MotoAmerica, he brings his extensive knowledge and experience in racing, as well as his prowess in business automotive and beyond. His appointment is coming at pivotal time, as Varner will help bring the Petersen’s plans to expand globally to fruition.
“Richard Varner brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our board of directors,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “His financial stewardship as treasurer has helped position the Petersen as one of the leading automotive museums in the world. He has proven his business acumen over a career that spans racing and energy trading to the creation of MotoAmerica, one of the rare success stories in modern American motorcycle racing.”
There is nothing but praise for the work current chairman Mullin did for the museum.
“Peter Mullin laid the groundwork for the Petersen’s success over the past seven years, solidifying the museum as an iconic Los Angeles institution dedicated to the history and preservation of the automobile,” says Karges. “Varner will now carry the torch, as the museum seeks to inspire the next generation of automotive enthusiasts worldwide.”
Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Varner has been a die-hard gearhead for years. It was his love for cars and motorcycles that led him from collecting and restoring, to being one of the founders of MotoAmerica–a professional motorcycle road racing series. As for his new position at the Petersen, Varner is thrilled.
“To be tapped as the next chairman of the Petersen is very humbling in several ways,” Varner said. “From following Peter Mullin’s capable and outstanding leadership, to having the board vote their confidence, and most of all to be associated with the Petersen, what it has become and what it will continue to evolve to be. Because of the Petersen team’s hard work plus the guidance and vision of the board of directors, the museum is poised to become a living thing—a thought leader and place where people can come together acknowledging the past while also discussing the impacts of the automobile and the global needs of mobility in the future.”
We can’t wait to see what Varner brings to possibly the best and most exciting automotive museum.
Photos: Kahn Media; Petersen Automotive Museum; 6 Speed Online
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