Ros Kerslake has been appointed chief executive of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF).

Kerslake – who was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list for services to British heritage – will join the HLF in the third quarter of this year, leaving her role as chief executive of the Prince’s Regeneration Trust (PRT), a position she has held since 2006.

While at the PRT, Kerslake notably led the team that saved one of the last working Victorian potteries in the UK, restoring the site and giving it a new lease on life. She currently also sits on The Heritage Alliance Board, and chairs the Regeneration Leaders Network.

"Ros has a rich background in heritage and an impressive commitment to the role it plays in making people’s lives better," said HLF chair Sir Peter Luff. "She is the perfect choice to lead HLF and as a successful applicant for funding, she knows how the organisation feels to those who seek National Lottery support."

Kerslake succeeds Carole Souter, who steps down from her position at the end of April.

"It is an enormous honour to be asked to lead an organisation which plays such a crucial role in supporting heritage all around the United Kingdom," said Kerslake. "I am stepping into very big shoes in taking over from Carole but I am looking forward very much to working with the exceptional team that she has established and to leading HLF on the next stage of its journey."