The charity responsible for managing hundreds of historic monuments and properties across England is preparing for a transition in its senior leadership structure.
Following a period under interim management, English Heritage has confirmed a new permanent appointment who will step into the central role later this year. This move brings a former director back to the heritage sector following an extended tenure operating within the museum industry.
A return to the heritage sector
Tim Reeve CBE has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of English Heritage. He is scheduled to take up the post in November. He will succeed the current Interim Chief Executive, Geoff Parkin, who has been in the position since July 2025.
In his new role, Reeve will lead the charity that cares for and shares with the public more than 400 historic sites situated throughout England. The English Heritage portfolio ranges from Queen Victoria’s seaside home, Osborne, on the Isle of Wight, to Housesteads Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall. It also encompasses tourist attractions including Stonehenge, Kenwood, Kenilworth Castle, and Whitby Abbey. Alongside the physical sites, the organisation is responsible for the London blue plaques scheme and manages a collection of over one million artefacts.
The appointment marks a return to English Heritage for Reeve, who began his career there as a Registry Assistant in 1996. He progressed through the organisation to become Director of Historic Properties, a position he held between 2005 and 2013. In that capacity, he was responsible for all aspects of the management of the historic sites collection in the charity’s care, chaired the Stonehenge Visitor Centre project board, and oversaw the annual conservation maintenance and capital development programmes. His educational background includes graduating in Ancient History from Royal Holloway, University of London, and studying at INSEAD on the International Executive Programme.
Expanding the museum landscape
Reeve will join English Heritage from the V&A, where he is currently Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer. Since joining the museum in 2013, he has held an operational and strategic overview of the institution’s resources and activities. His 13-year tenure at the V&A included the creation of the V&A East Museum and Storehouse in East London, the establishment of V&A Dundee, and the opening of the V&A Gallery at Design Society in Shenzhen.
He also oversaw the delivery of the museum’s most successful paid-for exhibitions programme, which featured Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty and Marie Antoinette Style. During his time at the institution, the V&A secured the Art Fund Museum of the Year award in 2015 and 2024. Reeve was made a CBE for services to museums in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.
Industry leadership response
Tony Hales CBE, Chair of English Heritage, welcomed the appointment. “Tim is one of the most outstanding and capable leaders in the culture and heritage sector,” Hales said. “His years of experience both at the V&A and earlier at English Heritage itself will serve the charity incredibly well. We are delighted that he is returning to lead English Heritage”. Hales also paid tribute to Parkin, stating that English Heritage had become a stronger and more sustainable charity under his interim leadership over the last twelve months.
Reeve commented on his upcoming role. “I am honoured to be English Heritage’s next Chief Executive,” Reeve said. “It is one of the most important roles in UK cultural life: leading a charity that means so much to so many people, in every corner of England. I’m excited to help guide English Heritage through the next stage of its journey, building a stable and sustainable future so the charity can fulfil its enormous potential”. He described the National Heritage Collection as offering unparalleled opportunities for escape, discovery, connection, and fun, noting that caring for the nation’s story has never been more important.
Sir Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, praised Reeve’s tenure. “Tim has been a truly transformative Deputy Director of the V&A,” Hunt said. “So much of the last decade’s creative confidence and institutional expansion is down to his far-sighted leadership, energetic culture of challenge, and strong ethos of public service”. Hunt thanked Reeve for his contributions across various museum acquisitions and refurbishments, and wished him well as he swaps Stratford and South Kensington for Stonehenge.
Managing the national collection
English Heritage has operated as an independent charity since 2015. It manages the National Heritage Collection under licence from Historic England on behalf of the nation. The charity invests over £40m annually into the ongoing conservation and care of its collection. It receives support from donors, visitors, and a membership base of more than 1.1 million people. During the 2025/26 financial year, the organisation reported welcoming over 5m visitors to its manned sites, alongside facilitating historical experiences for more than 200,000 school children and other learners.
