The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) is the International Centre of Excellence for the Art of Hand Embroidery. Established in 1872 and based at Hampton Court Palace, RSN is dedicated to preserving and innovating this traditional craft. Through its renowned education programme, the organisation offers courses from beginner to degree level in the UK and internationally. RSN’s Embroidery Studio delivers bespoke commissions, conservation, and restoration for fashion, art, heritage and royalty. With a unique heritage archive and a global reputation, RSN combines education, craftsmanship and commercial enterprise to ensure hand embroidery continues to thrive in contemporary culture.
Context.
With a new CEO in post, RSN was entering a fresh chapter of change and growth. It was an important moment to strengthen the organisation’s commercial capacity and ensure financial sustainability, building on its international reputation and rich heritage. The Director of Commercial and Design role was newly created to diversify income streams, enhance retail and e-commerce, and grow the Embroidery Studio’s reach. The right candidate needed to balance entrepreneurial vision with respect for tradition, and to bring strong financial acumen alongside creative sensitivity. Just as importantly, they would need to work closely with the CEO and leadership team, contributing to strategic development while also acting as a mentor and partner during this period of transition. The appointment was an opportunity to reinvigorate RSN’s commercial strategy, expand its influence, and support the CEO in delivering long-term growth and innovation.
Brief.
The brief sought a strategic commercial leader with proven experience of driving revenue in arts, heritage or creative industries. The individual needed to demonstrate success in areas such as retail, e-commerce, licensing and brand development, while also showing creativity and an appreciation of craft. RSN was looking for someone entrepreneurial and target-driven, capable of diversifying income while supporting the wider mission. We searched nationally, mapping candidates with expertise in cultural enterprises, heritage institutions and design-led organisations, while also considering those from adjacent commercial sectors who could bring transferable skills. With a new CEO already bringing energy and direction, the Board wanted a senior colleague who could complement this leadership, bringing commercial expertise, innovative ideas, and the ability to shape RSN’s next phase. It was essential the new Director could both deliver results and embody the organisation’s values, ensuring creativity and inclusivity remained central.
Outcome.
The search attracted 17 applications, from which three outstanding candidates were shortlisted, each bringing strong but distinct profiles in e-commerce, heritage retail, and commercial partnerships. The appointed candidate brought over 20 years’ experience in the cultural sector, including senior leadership roles at national institutions. She had a track record of transforming loss-making operations into profitable ventures, launching successful new income streams, and forging international business partnerships. With strong financial acumen, experience managing creative teams, and a proven ability to diversify income, she was seen as the ideal partner for the new CEO. Her appointment positions RSN to achieve sustainable growth while strengthening its global reputation.
“Peridot were excellent to work with, they took time to really understand the organisation and our needs and requirements. The time and care invested in the early and research phases, ensured we were presented with an impressive shortlist and able to appoint an exceptional candidate. We have built a solid working relationship with Peridot and they are my go to executive search company.”
Rhian Harris, Chief Executive, Royal School of Needlework.
David Hingley is our Head of Arts, Heritage and Culture Appointments. He has worked in the arts, heritage and culture sectors since 2010 with a track record of successfully recruiting teams, supporting organisational change programmes and delivering complex projects.
