English Heritage’s chief executive Nick Merriman has stepped down “for personal reasons” after 18 months in the role.
Merriman joined English Heritage in February 2024 after serving as CEO of the Horniman Museum and Gardens in London since 2018. Before that, he was director of the Manchester Museum.
English Heritage is a charity that manages more than 400 historic monuments, buildings and sites in England.
Via the Guardian, English Heritage’s chair of the trustees, Gerard Lemos, said in a statement to staff: “I am sorry to say that Nick has requested to step down from his role as chief executive for personal reasons relating to family health.
“The board has agreed to his request, which will take place with immediate effect. The board would like to thank Nick for everything he has done.”
He added: “Since February 2024, Nick has led English Heritage through a challenging time, during which he has overseen a major change programme aimed at delivering financial sustainability.”
English Heritage restructuring
During his tenure, Merriman oversaw a major restructuring of the charity that saw its workforce of 2,535 employees reduced by 7 percent.
Also, as part of the cuts, 22 English Heritage sites were to become “hidden gems” with limited openings.
One source said of Merriman’s departure: “Very good people have been forced out. Of those who’ve survived, nobody seems happy about the results of the restructuring.”
English Heritage defended the cuts earlier this year, saying: “The aim of these proposals is to ensure that English Heritage is financially resilient and can fulfil our charitable purposes.
“We’re committed to working with our employees and our trade unions to find ways to avoid and reduce redundancies where we can.”
Geoff Parkin has been selected to serve as English Heritage’s interim chief executive.
Last year, Merriman spoke to blooloop about how museums can more effectively respond to the climate crisis.
