Anna Eavis standing in front of OPT offices

Oxford Preservation Trust welcomes new CEO Anna Eavis

Nina Urai

Anna Eavis starts as OPT’s new Chief Executive Officer. Anna has previously worked at English Heritage, most recently as its Curatorial Director, with responsibility for the stewardship and presentation of over 400 historic sites, their collections and landscapes. 

She led English Heritage’s learning, youth engagement and creative programmes and was responsible for the London Blue Plaques scheme. While at English Heritage, Anna was closely involved in many capital and conservation projects including the creation of the Stonehenge Visitor Centre, the conservation of the early 18th-century house and designed landscape at Marble Hill (Twickenham), the award-winning new roof at Clifford’s Tower (York) and the restoration of the 19th-century hall and gardens at Belsay (Northumberland). Anna is a Trustee of Leeds Castle and a member of the fabric committees at both Canterbury and Salisbury cathedrals.
Anna Eavis says: “I’m delighted to join OPT as its new CEO. I have lived in Oxford for over twenty years and long appreciated OPT’s exemplary stewardship, advocacy and engagement work. The richness of Oxford’s history, architecture and green setting make it one of the treasures of the world and a source of inspiration to many. Oxford is not a museum, of course; it’s a living thing, home to many communities, institutions and businesses, which must adapt and grow. OPT is a charity which promotes the conservation, sustainable enhancement and celebration of our historic city, in ways which seek to improve life for everyone. It’s a great privilege to be part of such an extraordinary organisation.”
Reverend Professor William Whyte, Chair of Trustees says: “It is thrilling to welcome Anna to Oxford Preservation Trust – although not, of course, to Oxford. A long-time resident, she knows the city well. Anna brings to the role exceptional experience and remarkable energy as well as genuine love for this place. As Oxford Preservation Trust heads towards its centenary in 2027, it is not just in safe hands; its CEO is an internationally recognized leader in the heritage world.”