Elle Cass is a nationally recognised planning strategist and senior leader with over 30 years’ experience spanning consultancy, housebuilding, local government, global real estate and professional governance.

She is currently Head of Strategic Built Environment Growth (Europe) at SLR Consulting and has held senior roles at JLL, King Sturge, and David Wilson Homes, alongside earlier consultancy and local government positions.

Alongside her executive role, Elle plays a prominent leadership role within the profession. She became Chair of the RTPI Board of Trustees in 2026, having previously been Vice Chair and Chair of Finance and was recognised in The Planner’s Women of Influence 2024 list.  

The nominations subcommittee highlighted the lead she has taken in advocating for better working conditions across the construction sector with Construction for Women and promoting the National Site Standard (NSS) to improve safety, dignity and progression of women in the construction sector.

A platform to lead with purpose

Elle Cass, Chair of the RTPI Board of Trustees

Elle said: “Becoming a Fellow of the Royal Town Planning Institute is both a personal milestone and a professional responsibility.

“It reflects a career committed to the purpose and influence of planning, championing the role of place in shaping economic resilience, environmental stewardship, and long-term social value. It is an opportunity to reflect on that journey, but more importantly a catalyst to continue driving change, supporting others, and contributing to the profession.

“Professionally, Fellowship carries real weight. It signals credibility, leadership, and a responsibility to contribute at a strategic level, not only within planning, but across the wider built environment and governance landscape.

“It provides a platform to influence policy, support better decision-making, and advocate for planning as a critical enabler of sustainable growth and infrastructure delivery.

"Ultimately, becoming a Fellow is not an endpoint, it is a platform to lead with purpose, contribute at board level, and help shape more resilient, inclusive places for the future.”

Uche Echeozo, Planning Director at Raymond-Schortz UK Limited and an active member of RTPI North West

Uche Echeozo’s career spans more than three decades across development management, strategic planning, regeneration and local government leadership within the United Kingdom, Nigeria and the United States.

Uche began his planning career in Nigeria and relocated to the UK in 2006, where he worked at Eden District Council. He later served as Planning Director for Raymond-Schortz UK Limited, where he provided planning services and advisory support to local authorities, including the London Borough of Hackney.

During his international career, Uche worked with Adam Smith International as an expatriate urban planning specialist on a UKAID-funded programme in Nigeria and has held various senior municipal planning leadership roles in Texas, USA.

He has been actively involved with the RTPI on the General Assembly and International Committee, and as an assessor for the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) programme.

The nominations subcommittee noted his proactive approach to engaging the local community as well as his commitment to writing newspaper columns for papers in Texas to update locals on planning issues. The committee also recognised his continuing commitment both in the UK and internationally, including through engagement with the American Planning Association.

A commitment to the profession

Uche said: “Becoming a Fellow represents far more to me than professional recognition; it reflects a long-standing commitment to the planning profession, public service and the positive role planning plays in shaping communities and places.

“Professionally, Fellowship is important because it acknowledges not only experience and competence, but also the ability to contribute strategically to the profession and support its continued development.

“It represents credibility, integrity and leadership within an increasingly complex environment where planners are expected to navigate competing priorities, influence decision-making and help shape long-term visions for growth and regeneration.

“Fellowship is also about recognition of the breadth of my experience gained across strategic planning, development management, and leadership roles, as well as my commitment to mentoring, collaborative working and continuous improvement.”

The next deadline to apply is 1 September 2026.