Image: Tim Reeve (English Heritage)
Tim Reeve, deputy director and COO of the V&A, has been appointed chief executive of English Heritage, where he began his career in 1996.
English Heritage has appointed Tim Reeve as its new chief executive, joining the charity in November 2026.
Reeve is currently deputy director and chief operating officer at the V&A, having joined the organisation in 2013.
Reeve began his career at English Heritage in 1996 as a registry assistant, later becoming director of historic properties, a post he held from 2005 to 2013.
At the V&A, Reeve took a strategic overview of the museum’s resources and activities, including its development into a multi-site group.
During his time there, the museum created V&A East Museum and Storehouse, established V&A Dundee and opened the V&A Gallery at Design Society in Shenzhen. Reeve was made CBE in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for services to museums.
As the new chief executive of English Heritage, Reeve will lead the charity that cares for more than 400 historic sites across England. The new appointment takes over from interim chief executive Geoff Parkin, who has been in post since July 2025.
Tony Hales, chair of English Heritage, described Reeve as “one of the most outstanding and capable leaders in the culture and heritage sector” and thanked Parkin for his time as Interim Chief Executive.
Reeve said: “I’m excited to help guide English Heritage through the next stage of its journey, building a stable and sustainable future so the charity can fulfil its enormous potential.
“Caring for what I like to call the great outdoor museum of the nation’s story has never been more important.”
