English Heritage has appointed Nick Merriman, who has a track record leading museums in Manchester and London over a number of years, as its next chief executive.

He joins in early 2024 from London’s Horniman Museum and Gardens where he is chief executive and director of content.

Prior to joining Horniman in 2018 he was director of the Manchester Museum. He has also been director of museums and collections at University College London and curator of prehistory and head of the department of early London history and collections at the Museum of London.

He takes over at English Heritage from Kate Mavor, who left in June this year after eight years leading the charity, which oversees more than 400 historic buildings and sites, including Stonehenge.

“Since English Heritage became a charity in 2015, we have attracted more visitors and members than even before, opened up more of our sites in bold and imaginative ways, and invested more money in their care and conservation,” said English Heritage chair Gerard Lemos.

“We want to build on those successes and 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.

“Given his expertise in public engagement and his brilliant track record at the Horniman, in Manchester, and at the Museum of London, 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: “The collection of sites in English Heritage’s care is unique and I am extremely excited to be joining the charity. From the stunning footbridge at Tintagel Castle to its work in broadening the London blue plaques scheme, I’ve been impressed by what English Heritage has achieved since it became a charity eight years ago.

“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. I’m looking forward to introducing more people to these inspiring landmarks.”

Ahead of Merriman joining the charity next year the CEO role is being covered on an interim basis by its chief financial officer Mark Stuart-Smith.

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