Emma became Co-CEO of Historic England in a job-share with Claudia Kenyatta in November 2025.

Emma joined Historic England in December 2023 as Director of Regions in a job-share with Claudia Kenyatta. She joined from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, where she spent over five years as Director of Arts Heritage and Tourism. Emma oversaw 28 public bodies while at DCMS, including not only Historic England but also the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Churches Conservation Trust, Arts Council England, and the national museums and galleries. She oversaw the UK City of Culture Competition and was Senior Responsible Officer for the Culture Recovery Fund.

Emma’s previous roles in Government include working at the Department for International Trade, and roles across the Business Department and the Treasury.

Emma is Chair of the Bridport Museum Trust on the Jurassic Coast in West Dorset and member of the Mayor of London’s Cultural Leadership Board.