Claudia Kenyatta and Emma Squire Appointed New Joint Chief Executive of Historic England
Lord Mendoza, Chairman of Historic England, has announced that Claudia Kenyatta and Emma Squire will become the Chief Executive of Historic England as a job share following the retirement of Duncan Wilson in October 2025.
Following the announcement of Duncan's retirement in January 2025, the recruitment process to find a new Chief Executive attracted a strong field of candidates. Baroness Twycross, the Heritage Minister, and Susannah Storey, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, approved the appointment.
I'm delighted to announce that Claudia Kenyatta and Emma Squire have been appointed to become the new Chief Executive of Historic England as a job share. The search process attracted over 200 candidates applying for the role, resulting in a very strong field making it through to the final stages.
The panel and I were particularly impressed with their deep knowledge of the culture and heritage sectors, as well as insight and experience of the functioning of government. Emma and Claudia have put considerable thought into their vision for Historic England. I have great confidence that their leadership will guide us through the coming years with clarity and purpose.
We are absolutely delighted to be appointed as Chief Executive of Historic England at such an exciting time for heritage. Historic England is an amazing organisation with expert and dedicated staff and a strong track record of supporting and celebrating the historic environment. We're looking forward to leading the organisation through its next chapter and making sure that heritage plays its full role in supporting people, communities and places.
