Rachel Fisher, formerly Deputy Director for Food at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), has stepped into the role of Chief Executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
Rachel officially begins her tenure as Chief Executive, marking the start of a new chapter for the Institute. Prior to her role as Deputy Director of food strategy and security at DEFRA, Rachel spent five years as Deputy Director for land use policy, where she played a central role in introducing biodiversity net gain and shaping the land use framework for England.
Speaking on her first day in post, Rachel said: “Planning is at a pivotal moment. In the past two years, the work of professional planners has moved from the sidelines to the centre of the Government’s housing and economic ambitions.
“I step into this role as Scotland and Wales head towards elections and England’s planning reforms shift from consultation to implementation, when we will begin to see the real impact of these policies on housing and infrastructure delivery, on communities at ground level, and on economic growth.
“It is, in short, an exciting time to lead the UK’s largest body of professional planners. My focus now is on visiting the nations to discuss our Planifestos and working closely with members, the Board, our Presidential Team, RTPI staff and international members to build on the strong foundations already in place and deliver the ambitions set out in our 2030 strategy.”
Her earlier career includes senior roles in the Cities and Local Growth Unit across the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. There, she led major regeneration initiatives spanning high street renewal and HS2 growth strategies.
An associate member of the Institute for 15 years, and with previous experience at the National Housing Federation, Rachel brings extensive knowledge of the built environment from both in and outside of Government.
Elle Cass, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: "Rachel's experience across Government policy and the built environment places her in the ideal position to lead the Institute through this period of transition. I, as well as the rest of the Board of Trustees, look forward to working with her in her new role, and wish her a warm welcome as she steps into her post."