Museum of London director Simon Thurley is to take over as chief executive of English Heritage (EH) in March.
Thurley replaces Pam Alexander, who resigned in July. Sources at the time speculated that her departure was a result of clashes with chairman Sir Neil Cossons.
It is understood that Thurley will receive a salary of around £106,000 including £11,000 performance-related pay.
Commenting on the appointment, Thurley said: “I passionately believe that our historic environment is an underused and undervalued asset. I want to ensure that it is made central to our national life, valued for the part it plays in economic and social regeneration and in fostering strong, healthy communities.”
Cossons said that the appointment came at an important time for the EH: “Today the government publishes its green paper, and tomorrow its long-awaited response to Power of Place, the document setting out a clear future for our historic past which EH published last December.”
Last month, EH was in the forefront of the attack on Heron’s plans to build an office tower at Bishopsgate in the City of London. EH’s barrister described the plan as “a gross violation of St Paul’s setting”.
The organisation received public funding of £114m in 2000/2001 and £32m income from historic properties.
EGi News 12/12/01
