Icon is delighted to introduce our new Chief Executive Officer, marking an exciting chapter for the organization.
We are pleased to welcome Emma Jhita, Head of Partnerships and Development at Historic England and Head of the charitable Historic England Foundation, who will officially join the Icon team on November 1st.
Emma will take over from Interim Chief Executive, Kate Frame, who has done an invaluable job working with the Icon staff team to ensure seamless continuity of services and programmes following the departure of Sara Crofts in May.
Emma is an experienced heritage sector leader and fundraising professional, with a track record of successful delivery in previous roles as Chief Executive of the Didcot Railway Centre, Director of Development at the Jewish Museum, London and as Head of Fundraising for The Postal Museum.
At Historic England, Emma has led fundraising for the capital campaign at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, and with her team has secured funding to enable new programmes including ‘Rejuvenate’, a pioneering programme improving vulnerable young people’s wellbeing through engagement with archaeology, and the Hamish Ogston Foundation Heritage Building Skills Programme, delivering impact for heritage through the development of heritage craft skills and an increased understanding of conservation principles in the historic built environment.
Emma Chaplin, Chair of the Icon Board of Trustees said:
“The Board is very happy to be welcoming Emma as our new CEO. We were impressed by her vision, skills and experience that will help build a successful next chapter for Icon and its members. She is passionate about the role of conservation and the work of conservation professionals and I know that members, partners and stakeholders can look forward to working with her.”
Emma Jhita said:
As someone who is passionate about ensuring our cultural heritage is protected, preserved and is accessible to the broadest possible audiences, I am delighted to take-up the role of CEO with Icon.
I look forward to working with staff, trustees, members, and wider stakeholders, to ensure conservation plays an increasingly inspirational role in the public’s understanding of, and engagement with, culture, heritage, and the arts.
