The Board of Trustees of World Heritage UK were shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely death of Mark Suggitt, at the age of 62.
Mark was an active and enthusiastic advocate for World Heritage. He took up the role of Director at Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site at around the time that the former Local Authority World Heritage Forum was beginning a programme to re-focus and re-structure. Mark brought a new perspective from his work in the Museums service. With his managerial experience and positive attitude, coupled with a clear understanding of heritage matters, he was able to help in directing the newly formed World Heritage UK into an efficient, thriving and forceful organisation. He had a natural ability to draw people together. He represented World Heritage UK at the European Association of WHS Conference in 2015
Although he had retired from his post at Derwent Valley Mills he is sadly missed by many of his former colleagues in the sphere of World Heritage. His unassuming friendliness with everyone and his willingness to share his expertise was greatly valued by other Site managers and Board members and he will be remembered with affection. Our thoughts and prayers are with his two sons and wider family.