Nick Merriman

Nicholas John Merriman OBE (born 6 June 1960[1]) is the chief executive of English Heritage.

He is known for his contributions to the development of public archaeology and museum studies, and for influencing the heritage sector around issues of cultural diversity, sustainability and the future of collections.

Merriman was born and brought up in Sutton Coldfield, and attended King Edward VI Grammar School in Edgbaston.

He studied Archaeology from 1979 to 1982 at the University of Cambridge, attending St John's College, and spent the summers excavating at the site of Gars-Thunau in Lower Austria.

Published in the journal Cultural Trends, this work was influential in driving the debate about these issues in the museum sector.

In 2018 Merriman was succeeded by Esme Ward, the first female Director in the Museum’s history, who saw the project through to opening in 2021.

In May 2018 Merriman was appointed Chief Executive of the Horniman Museum and Gardens in London, succeeding Dame Janet Vitmayer.

Merriman was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours for services to the arts and heritage.