Saul Nassé Appointed as New Chief Executive and Keeper of The National Archives
The Department for Culture, Media, and Sport has recently announced the appointment of Saul Nassé as the new Chief Executive and Keeper of The National Archives. Mr. Nassé will be taking over this prestigious role at the end of July, succeeding Dr. Jeff James who has led the organization successfully since 2014.
The National Archives, situated in Kew, London, is one of the world’s largest archival collections which houses over 11 million historical documents, from ancient parchments to modern digital records. This institution not only preserves important records of the UK government, but also provides access to the public and researchers who are interested in exploring the country’s rich heritage.
With such a significant responsibility in his hands, Saul Nassé is an ideal choice for this role with his vast experience and exemplary leadership skills. He holds an impressive track record of working in organizations that deal with academic, cultural and media content. Nassé has served as the Chief Executive for Cambridge Assessment, Cambridge University’s exam board, where he led the organization’s transformation and growth. Prior to that, he has also worked with notable media companies like BBC and Discovery Communications.
In his latest stint at Cambridge Assessment, Mr. Nassé has brought about tremendous progress by implementing innovative strategies, developing digital platforms, and expanding the global reach of the organization. With his strong background in digital media, Nassé aims to modernize and enhance the accessibility of The National Archives’ vast collection, making it easier for researchers and historians to explore and discover the treasures hidden within.
His passion for education and culture has also led him to be a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Arts and the Royal Geographical Society. This reflects his dedication and commitment towards promoting education and preserving cultural heritage, which are among the core values of The National Archives.
Dr. Jeff James, who has led The National Archives for the past five years, has paved a remarkable path for Nassé to follow. His inspiring leadership has taken the institution to new heights and has made significant contributions to the cultural landscape of the country. Under his guidance, The National Archives has led various initiatives to engage the public with history, including the opening of a new research center in 2018.
In his farewell speech, Dr. James praised the newly appointed Chief Executive, stating, “Saul brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the media, education, and culture sector. I am confident that under his leadership, The National Archives will continue to thrive and evolve.”
The announcement of Mr. Nassé’s appointment has been met with great enthusiasm and anticipation within the archival community. Many have expressed their confidence in his capabilities and are eager to see the positive developments he will bring to the organization.
As the new Chief Executive and Keeper of The National Archives, Mr. Nassé is expected to enhance the institution’s digital infrastructure to better cater to the increasing demand for online access to historical documents. He also plans to engage with the public through various exhibitions and events, making history more accessible and relevant to people of all ages and backgrounds.
In an interview, Saul Nassé expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a prestigious institution, saying, “I am honored to be appointed as the new Chief Executive and Keeper of The National Archives. I am fully committed to preserving the rich history of the UK and making it accessible for everyone to explore and learn from.”
As the organization bids farewell to Dr. Jeff James, we warmly welcome Saul Nassé as the new Chief Executive and Keeper of The National Archives. His passion for education, media, and culture, coupled with his exceptional leadership skills, make him the perfect fit for this role. We look forward to the positive changes and growth he will bring to The National Archives in the future.
