The new Chief Executive of Icon from January next year will be Sara Crofts. Sara will take over from Alison Richmond ACR who has been in the role since 2010.

Sara comes to Icon from the Heritage Lottery Fund, where she is Head of Historic Environment, providing advice and strategic direction to the Board and Executive on grant giving and policy issues and building strategic relationships with historic environment organisations across the UK. She originally trained as an architect and holds an MSc in Architectural Conservation, writing her thesis on Interpreting cultural significance. She has held senior positions with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, including as Deputy Director and as project director for major conservation initiatives.

Sara Crofts said, "I am extremely proud to have played a part in the life of the UK’s oldest conservation charity and to have worked for a major public funder, but I now feel that I would like to return to a smaller organisation where I can make full use of the skills and knowledge that I have acquired. As an architect I greatly respect fellow conservation professionals and have been impressed by the many conservators and restorers that I have met. I therefore warmly welcome the opportunity to lead this important organisation and promote the profession within and beyond the heritage sector.”

Siobhan Stevenson, Chair of Icon Board of Trustees said, “We are delighted to be welcoming Sara as the new Chief Executive of Icon. Sara comes with an excellent range of skills and a strong track record in the heritage sector. I am looking forward to working with her as she leads the team through the next exciting phase of Icon’s development, building on our core themes of Advocacy, Excellence and Engagement.”

ABOUT ICON

Icon is a registered charity and the UK professional body for the conservation of cultural heritage. Icon raises awareness of the value of caring for heritage and champions high standards of conservation. The conservation of our cultural heritage contributes to education, the advancement of knowledge, tourism and the economy. It ensures that our heritage is protected for the benefit, use and enjoyment of the public. We represent nearly 3,000 individuals and organizations comprising professional conservators, heritage scientists and many others committed to promoting this value.

For further information please contact: arichmond@icon.org.uk 07949787701