Victoria Hills, who has led the RTPI for nearly eight years, is to step down from her post as CEO.
She will be moving on to take up the role of CEO at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
Victoria will remain in post until later in the year to allow for a smooth transition while the Board of Trustees begins a recruitment process for her replacement.
Chair of the Royal Town Planning Institute Meeta Kaur said:
“After nearly 8 years as chief executive at RTPI the positive impact Victoria has had is clear for all to see. The Institute has become the voice of planners to Government and the membership has grown steadily as a result. Her leadership through the pandemic provided a steady hand not only for the organisation but the membership at large. The rate of delivery against the corporate strategy has been phenomenal and the results of that are to everyone’s benefit.
“The Board of Trustees has appreciated the clear-eyed support she has provided and has been incredibly pleased to see the institute go from strength to strength under her leadership.
“The Chartered Institute of Building is lucky to have appointed such a well-regarded and influential chief executive and Victoria will be much missed by all at the RTPI.
“I would like to take this opportunity to assure staff and members that despite Victoria’s departure, the RTPI is on firm foundations and well equipped for the future. The Senior Executive Team is well established and clear on the organisation’s strategic direction. Trustees will shortly commence a recruitment process for a new chief executive and we will keep staff and members appraised throughout.”
RTPI Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Hills, said:
“It has been an absolute honour to be the CEO of the RTPI, not only because of the important place planning holds for our communities, but also because it is my own membership body. I could not possibly have imagined as a student member in the 1990s when I was going through my APC that I would one day have the opportunity to take the helm of the organisation.
“During my time here we have seen planning rise further and further up the political agenda, both domestically and internationally, and the RTPI has been able to provide a voice for our 27,000 members throughout that process. I am so proud of everything we have collectively achieved. I leave the RTPI in a position of strength at an incredibly exciting time for the planning profession.
“As I prepare to move forward onto my next chapter, I look back over the last seven years with a sense of pride that I have been able to play my part in elevating the status of planning professionals in the built environment sector. We need planners for the greater good of society, and it’s been an honour to be a part of acknowledging and amplifying their important role.”
