The head of an Oxford University school has been appointed as the brand new chair of Historic England.
Lord Mendoza, provost of Oriel College, known as it a “great honour” after being appointed to the function by the Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer.
Lord Mendoza was appointed as commissioner for tradition on the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in 2020, in the course of the Covid pandemic.
Former prime minister Boris Johnson nominated him for a life peerage that very same yr and he was awarded a CBE within the New Year Honours record in 2022.
I sit up for guaranteeing the continued safety of the nation’s heritage property and demonstrating the significance, magnificence and worth of our heritage to a wider society
Lord Mendoza, Oriel College
He mentioned: “To be appointed the next chair of Historic England is a great honour.
“In my role as commissioner for culture, I have worked closely with Historic England and greatly appreciated the ways in which this outstanding organisation cares for the country’s astonishing breadth of historic buildings, monuments and landscapes.
“England’s historic environment holds deep meaning for people.
“Over the last few years, we have witnessed its impact in regeneration, education and cultural development across the country.
“I look forward to ensuring the ongoing protection of the nation’s heritage estate and demonstrating the importance, beauty and value of our heritage to a wider society.”
Lord Mendoza additionally chairs the Government’s Culture and Heritage Capital Board.
He beforehand served as a commissioner of Historic England between 2016 and 2019 and was chair of constructing conservation charity, The Landmark Trust, for 10 years till 2021.
Lord Mendoza attended Oriel College in 1978 and studied geography. He grew to become provost in 2018.