On 30 November 2023, The Rt Revd Martyn Snow, Lord Bishop of Leicester, announced that The Revd Canon Karen Rooms will be the next Dean of Leicester – becoming the third person to hold the post.

The Revd Canon Karen Rooms was licensed as the Acting Dean of Leicester in January 2023, and was previously the Cathedral's Sub-Dean and Canon Missioner. She is chair of trustees of the national community organising charity CitizensUK.

Revd Canon Karen said

"It is an absolute privilege to serve as Dean of Leicester in such a vibrant city and in Leicestershire's towns and rural communities. I love being in Leicester and am excited about all the possibilities which our renewed Cathedral ­– and the facilities that will be available to us later in 2024 ­– offer. I look forward to all we can be and offer together as we witness the love of God experienced in Jesus Christ."

Bishop Martyn said

"I am delighted to announce that Karen will be the new Dean of Leicester. Karen is a courageous and compassionate leader, whose passion for justice and equity will, I am sure, inspire and encourage many in our city and county. She has done a superb job as Acting Dean, including very significant additional fundraising for Leicester Cathedral Revealed.

"With the Cathedral reopening, after being closed for restoration and renovation work for two years, this is a very exciting time for the whole Diocese as well as those who worship, work, and minister in the Cathedral. Leicester Cathedral has a privileged position as the beating heart for both the city and county, and I know that Karen is deeply committed to it being a place of hospitality, wonder, inspiration, and discovery for all who step inside."

Karen was ordained in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, being priested in 2007. Before moving to Leicester, she served as an Area Dean in Nottingham, and Vicar of St Ann with Emmanuel Church.

The Dean is a senior priest in the Diocese and exercises leadership of the Cathedral – its worship, people, mission, outreach and public life, overseeing governance, safeguarding, staff, and operations. The post of Dean of Leicester has been in existence since 2002, prior to that the postholder was referred to as Provost.

Revd Canon Karen will be installed as the Dean of Leicester at a special service in Leicester Cathedral in March 2024. Further details will be released shortly.