English Heritage chief executive steps down

The chief executive of English Heritage has reportedly stepped down from the role, citing personal reasons and family health, according to a statement sent to staff.

The statement, seen by the Guardian, was sent by the organisation’s chair of the trustees, Gerard Lemos. It says Dr Merriman’s departure will take place with immediate effect.

The departure comes after a year and a half in the role. Merriman became the charity’s chief executive in February 2024, after six years as chief executive of Horniman Museums and Gardens. Prior to this, he had served roles at Museums Association, University Museums Group, and Manchester Museum.

Under Merriman’s leadership, the charity revealed plans to make cuts to its workforce and reductions in some of its site’s opening hours.

In January, English Heritage proposed a 7% workforce reduction, which it said would be made while aiming to avoid redundancies and maintain a team of over 75 curators, historians, and conservators. The proposals also included reducing opening hours at 10% of sites, with 21 closing during winter.

Twenty-two smaller sites would offer new visitor experiences, where usual opening hours weren’t “suitable”, instead offering guided tours, temporary exhibitions, and community events.

The organisation had begun to consult with staff and its unions on the proposals as part of a formal consultation period which had not concluded before Merriman’s departure.

In February, Dr Merriman wrote to the Guardian to clarify the organisation’s restructure plans.

Mermiman said the organisation would continue to have a large team of curators, historians and conservators, and was not “replacing them with managers,” as some had feared.

“These are difficult times for the culture sector as a whole, and we have seen a significant fall in income this year. It would be irresponsible if we did not respond to that,” Merriman wrote.

English Heritage has been approached for comment.