English Heritage appoints Chief Executive

NICK MERRIMAN will become English Heritage's Chief Executive early next year, succeeding KATE MAYOR CBE who left the role in June after eight years at the helm.

Merriman is making the move after five years as Chief Executive and Director of Content at Horniman Museum and Gardens. Under his leadership, the South London museum won Art Fund Museum of the Year 2022. 

Prior to the Horniman, Merriman was Director of the Manchester Museum where he oversaw a programme of public engagement and the refurbishment of most of the museum’s permanent galleries. 

He was Chair at the International Council of Museums (UK) and President of the Council for British Archaeology. Currently, Merriman chairs Research England’s review of funding for museums and galleries in the higher education sector. 

In his new role, Merriman will oversee the National Heritage Collection of over 400 historic buildings, monuments and sites across England, including Stonehenge and the York Cold War Bunker.

“One of English Heritage’s main ambitions is to place the landmarks in our care at the heart of their local communities and to engage far more people in our sites’ past and above all in their future,” Chair GERARD LEMON said. 

“Given his expertise in public engagement and his brilliant track record, Nick is perfectly placed to ensure we realise those aims. I’m sure he’ll usher in an exciting new chapter in the story of the great collection of historic sites in our care.”  

Merriman added that he is “extremely excited” to be joining the charity. 

“Like many others, my childhood was spent clambering around English Heritage castles and I firmly believe that heritage is as much about people as it is about places, whether those who lived and worked there in the past or who like me, enjoy them today.”