Lord Mendoza Appointed as New Chair of Historic England

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said:

"Neil has long been a champion for our shared heritage. As a former Commissioner of Historic England, he is a strong advocate for the power of heritage to make a positive difference for people and places."

"As Commissioner for Culture, he was instrumental in helping to deliver urgent support for our treasured historic places during the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. Lord Mendoza brings a huge amount of experience and expertise to Historic England which will help to steer both our organisation, and the heritage sector, confidently forward."

Lord Mendoza, the new Chair of Historic England, said:

“I am thrilled to be appointed the next Chair of Historic England. From my time as a Commissioner, I know and value the deep expertise of Historic England staff – from marine archaeology to the city skyline. We all know the power of heritage and its role in making a difference to people’s lives, creating vibrant and flourishing places."

"The pandemic sharpened awareness of the economic value of the heritage sector and how much our historic environment means to people but there is more to be done in demonstrating the importance of heritage to society. Over the last few years, it’s been clear that the heritage sector has increased its national impact across regeneration, education and cultural development."

"Laurie’s skills as Chair and his advocacy for heritage have been outstanding. I look forward to working to build on that legacy.”

Sir Laurie Magnus, the outgoing Chair of Historic England, said:

“I am delighted that Neil is to become the next Chair of Historic England. He has exceptionally wide-ranging experience across the culture and heritage sectors and comes with a record of success in many different roles. His reputation and stature will add greatly in delivering Historic England’s core purpose to champion and protect England’s remarkable heritage.

"Having served previously as a highly respected Commissioner, he fully recognises that the beneficial influence of heritage extends far beyond tourism and that, as a foundation for most people’s sense of place, it is an essential catalyst for effective social and economic regeneration."

"He understands the principles behind constructive conservation, particularly in the context of climate adaptation and, also, as chair of DCMS’s Culture and Heritage Capital Advisory Board, will ensure that this important initiative to establish Culture and Heritage Capital as the standard framework to measure sectoral impact will be successful.”