Former Chief Executive of Blenheim Palace, John Hoy, has been announced as the new CEO for the Castle Howard Estate.

John Hoy will join the senior team at Castle Howard in June to lead the diverse range of activity that the Estate offers and will support Mr Nicholas and Mrs Victoria Howard on a number of ambitious and transformative projects.

John has a superb track record and is of the highest calibre having spent 14 years as Blenheim Palace’s Chief Executive before joining Bidwells as Equity Partner and Head of Rural. A prominent figure in the heritage and tourism industry John also sits on the VisitEngland Advisory Board. Prior to his time with Blenheim, John was Commercial Project Manager with the National Museums of Science and Industry, General Manager of Madame Tussauds in London, and Head of Operations and Retail at Warwick Castle. He is a farmer’s son, a Chartered Surveyor and, has also previously worked on the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex and the Knebworth Estate in Hertfordshire.

John commented ‘I am both delighted and honoured to have been given the opportunity to join the Castle Howard team and to be able to work closely with Nicholas and Victoria Howard in driving the future direction of this uniquely important heritage Estate. Castle Howard is an iconic property and I very much look forward to getting involved’

John will build upon the success that Castle Howard has recently enjoyed. As a business, the Castle Howard Estate continues to diversify and grow and the board are confident that this new appointment will support the family and directors in the ongoing challenges of running a 9,000 acre working estate and award winning visitor attraction.

Upon announcing John’s appointment Victoria Howard commented ‘I am delighted that John Hoy has accepted this important position at Castle Howard. John’s breadth and depth of experience across both the rural and tourist sectors will be a great asset and will help ensure that this very special place continues to thrive in the years to come.’