After 31 years in charge, Simon will step down as chairman and chief executive of Castle Howard Estate Ltd at the end of the year.
Elder brother Nick Howard will become non executive co-chairman and Nick’s wife Victoria will be executive co-chairman. They will take over responsibility for day-to-day running of the house and estate, which is visited by nearly 250,000 people a year.
“I was brought up here and for the last 30 years I have made it my life’s work to constantly strive to make the house and grounds as enjoyable as possible for visitors,” Simon said.
“I now feel the time is right to pass this responsibility and privilege to my brother Nick, who in turn will prepare the next generation of the Howard family to take on the running of the estate.
“I will continue to play an active role and will work closely with my brother to ensure the success of Castle Howard.”
Simon took over as chairman of the company on the death of his father, Lord Howard of Henderskelfe. He carried on his father’s work in conserving and restoring the Grade I listed stately home and surrounding parkland.
Nick Howard said: “Simon has worked tirelessly for Castle Howard. I cannot thank him enough for what he has achieved during his tenure.
“Were it not for his extraordinary commitment, we would not be in a position to carry on his good work.”
The new guard
Nick has been a member of the Castle Howard Estate Ltd board since the mid-1970s and has always played an active role in the management of the estate.
His wife, Victoria joined the board in late 2013, following 13 years as CEO and publisher of HarperCollins UK and International.
She is also a former trustee of both Tate and The National Gallery and in June 2014 became a commissioner of English Heritage.
Victoria and Nick will relocate from London to take on the management of the estate. Nick’s son, George Howard, will also take a more active role in the business.
Simon Howard and his wife, Rebecca, and children, Merlin and Octavia are yet to decide whether they will continue to live at Castle Howard.