Image: Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive, Historic England (© Historic England)
Recruitment has begun for a successor to the organisation’s first Chief Executive, appointed ten years ago.
The first Chief Executive of Historic England, Duncan Wilson CBE, has announced plans to step down from the role later this year.
Wilson is to retire in October after a decade in the role. Wilson was appointed during the creation of the organisation in 2015, after the split of English Heritage into two organisations.
He has served over 25 years as a chief executive in the heritage sector, with experience prior to the organisation at Alexandra Palace, Old Royal Naval College and Somerset House.
Historic England is now recruiting for his successor. Wilson called his time at Historic England “hugely rewarding” and highlighted its High Streets Heritage Action Zones programme as a point of particular pride.
“Historic England remains ever more committed to positive and sustainable outcomes for heritage through the planning system, our grants and expertise and our constructive engagement with the climate change agenda.”
He added: “A personal highlight, as a former archaeologist, was our support for the excavation at Must Farm, an internationally important archaeological site. It is hard to overstate my delight and excitement seeing a complete Bronze Age settlement which had been buried in the Fens for 3,000 years unearthed along with all its contents.
“I want to thank the excellent staff at Historic England to whom the above successes are largely due. I feel proud to hand over an organisation in good health and with progressively more to offer the nation.”
Lord Mendoza, Chairman of Historic England, said of Wilson: “From his pivotal role in delivering the New Model that created Historic England and the English Heritage Trust as separate organisations, to guiding Historic England and the sector through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Duncan’s impact has been profound.
“When he steps down, Duncan will leave behind a superb and talented management team well-prepared to continue his legacy of excellence in heritage preservation and innovation.”
