Ian Baxter is an industry focused senior academic with wide involvement in strategic and governance issues in heritage-sector NGOs, and in tourism experience development.
Ian is Professor of Historic Environment Management at Heriot-Watt University and teaches heritage management, tourism and visitor experience development. His professional practice and research is focused on knowledge management and strategy within heritage and conservation organisations, and enhancement of the visitor experience at historic sites. He originally trained as an archaeologist at the University of Edinburgh and completed a PhD at the University of Cambridge investigating strategic management within heritage and conservation organisations.
He chairs the Built Environment Forum Scotland's Historic Environment Working Group (and was previously BEFS Vice-Chair) and is a current member of Council (Trustee) of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. He co-chairs the Skills, Education & Engagement Advisory Group for The Heritage Alliance (the national NGO heritage advocacy organisation in England) and is a member the Institute for Historic Building Conservation's Education, Training & Standards Committee.