Chatham Historic Dockyard
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Historic England chief executive to join Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust

Article: David Styles | Image: © Chatham Historic Dockyard

Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust has confirmed the appointment of Duncan Wilson OBE, chief executive of Historic England, to its Board of Trustees. Wilson will take on the role at the Trust’s next Board meeting later this month.

Duncan Wilson will succeed Kent-based property expert Laura Nesfield on the Board of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust when the official handover takes place on the 27th February.

Wilson joins the Trust having held a range of senior positions in the heritage sector, including serving as chief executive of both the Alexandra Park and Palace Trust and the Greenwich Foundation for the Old Royal Naval College. He also previously became the inaugural director of the Somerset House Trust.

“The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a fascinating place,” Wilson said as his appointment was announced. “I’m looking forward to bringing my experience and passion to this special place as it builds on its great achievements.”

Sir Trevor Soar, chair, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, added: “Duncan has an extraordinary track record in leading significant heritage projects and an overt passion for protecting England’s heritage. He will bring a tremendous wealth of experience to the role.

“His appointment comes at an exciting time as we are on the cusp of launching our new Corporate Plan, detailing the aspirations for the Trust for the next five years.”

In the coming five years which the Trust’s chair references, a new Corporate Plan will be implemented. The strategy, which Soar will unveil on 28th February, will focus on balancing the Trust’s core charitable objectives of preservation and education.