Re-Form Heritage welcomes Andrew Emery as new Chief Executive

A new chapter is beginning for Re-Form Heritage, as the Stoke-on-Trent charity announces the appointment of Andrew Emery as its new Chief Executive.

Andrew returns to The Potteries with more than two decades of experience in tourism, destination development, culture and heritage. He spent 23 years working for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole local authority, holding roles from Senior Member of the Seafront Management Team to Interim Head of Service for Tourism and Destination. In 2024, he set up and led his own placemaking consultancy.

Now, he is bringing that experience back to the city where he was born and raised.

“I am super excited to be joining Re-Form Heritage at a key moment for the Trust and the future of the city as, together, we work to secure the future of our built historic fabric and support regenerating the city to deliver economic, social, access and inclusion benefits for our residents, businesses and visitors.

Returning to The Potteries’ after 25 years working across tourism & destination development, culture, heritage and the creative industries on the South Coast, feels like a real homecoming to the region I was born and raised in. I’m really looking forward to leading the Re-Form Heritage team as we deepen and strengthen our collaborations across the city region and with our funders, partners and the local authority”.

— Andrew Emery, incoming Chief Executive

His appointment comes at a time of significant activity for the charity, which was appointed Heritage Development Trust for Stoke-on-Trent in December 2023.

A Growing Trajectory

Harry Wardill, Chairman of the board of Trustees, highlighted several key projects currently underway:

• Bethesda Chapel: Major renovation works are currently in progress.
• Centenary Restoration Fund: A project to regenerate small-scale heritage assets across the city.
• Middleport Pottery & Harper Street: Continuing the successful operation of these flagship mixed-use sites.

"Andrew joins an experienced and highly capable team who has set us on this path, and under his leadership we will continue to develop and grow as the Heritage Development Trust for Stoke-on-Trent. Andrew brings with him years of regeneration experience, with a focus on creating vibrant places that have both a sustainable economic future, as well as bring public benefit."

— Harry Wardill, Chairman of the board of Trustees

Re-Form Heritage continues to focus on transforming historic buildings at risk, creating places that inspire, educate and connect people with their past. Its flagship project, Middleport Pottery, was saved from closure through public and private funding before undergoing substantial remodelling and renovation. Today, it stands as a visitor attraction and centre for creative businesses, and a blueprint for future restoration work across the city.

Andrew joins the team in mid-March, as Re-Form Heritage moves forward with renewed momentum and a clear focus on protecting and reimagining Stoke-on-Trent’s historic spaces for the benefit of current and future generations.