We are delighted to announce that Rhian Harris will be joining the organisation in September as the new Chief Executive. Rhian will take over from Dr Susan Kay-Williams who has led the charity for 17 years and is retiring at the end of August.

Rhian comes with a strong track record and wealth of experience in the charity, arts and heritage sectors. She was previously the Chief Executive of Lakeland Arts, Cumbria, a multi-site, independent arts and heritage charity based in the Lake District and the Director of the V&A Museum of Childhood, now the Young V&A, which earlier this month was awarded The Museum of the Year 2024.

Pip Wood, Chair of Royal School of Needlework Council said: “We are very excited about the skills and expertise that Rhian will bring and we are sure the RSN will continue to innovate, develop and grow stronger under her leadership.”

Rhian Harris said: “I am absolutely delighted to be appointed Chief Executive of the Royal School of Needlework. Throughout my career I have worked with amazing collections that have included hand-stitched embroidered art works and they have never failed to capture my imagination and to engage, both emotionally and intellectually. The language of stitch tells us so much about craft, memory, identity, protest and mortality, amongst many other aspects of private and public life.

“I am looking forward to building on the heritage and the remarkable work that has already been undertaken and to taking the RSN forward, strengthening the excellent educational programmes and widening the charity’s impact.”

We look forward to welcoming Rhian on 30 September.