Historic England chief executive retires

DUNCAN WILSON, chief executive at Historic England, is to retire in October after leading the organisation for a decade.

Wilson was the public body’s first leader following the split of English Heritage into two organisations in 2015.

He has spent 25 years as a chief executive in the heritage sector at organisations including Alexandra Palace, the Old Royal Naval College and Somerset House, where he was the founding director.

Chair of Historic England LORD MENDOZA called Wilson’s tenure “remarkable”.

“An archaeologist by training, Duncan brings great expertise, vision and tenacity to his leadership,” said Mendoza.

“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.”

Wilson said his time at Historic England had been “hugely rewarding”, citing highlights including the High Streets Heritage Action Zones programme, the restoration of Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings and the Heritage Schools programme, which launched in 2012 and currently faces an uncertain future.

“I want to thank the excellent staff at Historic England to whom the above successes are largely due,” added Wilson.

“I feel proud to hand over an organisation in good health and with progressively more to offer the nation.

“Our heritage has never been more important and valuable, and I am confident that Historic England will continue to champion it as effectively as we have done in the last few years.”