Taryn Nixon

Taryn Nixon is an archaeologist with a background of leadership in the historic environment sector.

From 1997 to 2016, she was the Chief Executive of Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA). MOLA is an educational charity, SME and Independent Research Organisation (IRO) delivering commercial services and public benefit in the context of planning, construction and development. She was a Board Trustee of MOLA from 2017–2019.

Currently, Taryn is an independent heritage management adviser and consultant, helping organisations working with heritage as a force for good. She is also a Trustee of National Trails UK, championing the long distance routes that are part of the protected landscapes family, and administered by Natural England and Natural Resources Wales.

Her archaeological training is deeply ingrained in her love of landscape and its dynamic relationship with people and journey. She has served as a member, trustee, and chair for many organisations, including: Honorary Lecturer at University College London’s Institute for Archaeology, a former Chair of the professional body, the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), and Vice-Chair of the Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers (FAME).

Taryn is passionate about the power of cultural and natural heritage to connect people and place, and about putting sense of place at the heart of sustainable development, regeneration, restoration and recovery. She has published widely on the social, economic, environmental and sustainability contribution of heritage engagement, including recent construction industry guidance.

Taryn has lived and worked in Hong Kong, Gloucestershire, London and Devon. She currently lives with her family on the edge of Dartmoor, within the National Park.