Chair of Trustees

Following the expiry of his three year term as Chair of Heritage of London Trust (HOLT), Sir Laurie Magnus CBE has announced his decision to step down from the role in March 2026.

Since joining the Board in 2023, Sir Laurie has brought immense levels of expertise, developed a robust governance framework and overseen an expansion of the charity which, under his leadership, has grown its portfolio of heritage projects, opened a new community and skills hub in the City of London and acquired David Bowie’s childhood home, with a view to restoring it and opening it as a visitor attraction and youth engagement centre. He has been an invaluable source of knowledge, guiding the charity with dedication and care.

We are delighted to announce John Phillips, trustee of HOLT, will become Chair from March 2026.

Sir Laurie said:

“I want to thank everybody involved with HOLT - trustees, volunteers, donors and above all Nicola and the staff - for their passion and dedication and for making my time as chair so inspiring, enjoyable and rewarding. HOLT has exciting times ahead – playing a defining role in the restoration of London’s precious heritage, preparing the recently acquired Bowie House for public viewing as soon as possible and continuing to deliver the brilliant Proud Places programme to nurture our nation’s next generation of heritage custodians. I am delighted that John Phillips is to be my successor and have no doubt that HOLT is set fair to achieve great things in future. I remain a committed Patron and much look forward to contributing to HOLT’s continuing success.”

Dr Nicola Stacey, Director of HOLT, said:

“I and everyone at HOLT thank Laurie for his guidance and support through the last three years and wish him well with his many other commitments. Laurie has been a fantastic steward of the charity over the last three years and leaves HOLT and the Board well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead. We are thrilled that John Phillips, who has been instrumental in developing our ground-breaking Proud Places programme over the last five years, is taking the helm.”

Appointed incoming Chair, John Phillips, trustee of HOLT, said:

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Sir Laurie for his outstanding contribution since 2023. He has played a pivotal role in its strategic development and he is a master of Board oversight. The charity is now well positioned to build on its increasing expertise in

public engagement, transforming the way communities view and value heritage. I am delighted to be appointed as Chair and looking forward to being involved in its continued success.”