Amid important changes at English Heritage, the organisation has announced the appointment of Kate Mavor as chief executive of its new charity arm.

Mavor makes the move from her position as chief executive at National Trust for Scotland, a role in which she helped the charity weather the storms of the recession and steer it to financial stability.

From April, English Heritage officially splits into two organisations, a charity and a newly-named body, Historic England. The English Heritage charity will manage the National Heritage Collection of more than 400 historic sites, including Stonehenge and the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings.

“It's a privilege to lead English Heritage on the first stage of its new journey as a charity,” Mavor said. In her new role, Mavor is tasked with leading the charity to self-funding status by 2023.

Sir Tim Laurence, chair of the English Heritage charity, said: “Kate will bring a wealth of experience from within and outside the heritage sector. Kate is exactly the right person to lead the new charity at this important time.”

The changes at English Heritage were recently-approved by the UK government. In a letter written by Sir Laurie Magnus, chair of English Heritage, the transformation is explained thus:

“A new charity, retaining the name English Heritage, will run the National Heritage Collection of historic properties. A newly-named non-departmental public body, Historic England, will be dedicated to offering expert advice, championing the wider historic environment and providing support for stakeholders in the heritage sector. The changes will come into effect on 1 April 2015.”

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