The Royal Institute for British Architects has appointed Valerie Vaughan-Dick as its new chief executive from January 2023.
Vaughan-Dick, who is currently the chief operating officer at the Royal College of General Practitioners, will take forward the Royal Institute for British Architects (RIBA's) Biennial Action Plan 2022-23.
"I am delighted to be joining RIBA at such an exciting time in its development and to being part of the transition to an even more effective business, where sustainability is top of the agenda," Vaughan-Dick said.
" In this post-pandemic and financially challenging era, the industry needs an agile and dynamic membership body to provide leadership and support on the issues that matter most to the profession and the public," she added.
"I look forward to working with the Board, Council and the expert staff team to help deliver RIBA's ambitious plans and ensure that RIBA members are appropriately represented, and their contributions widely recognised."
Financial transformation track record "will prove invaluable"
Vaughan-Dick has previously held senior leadership roles at the Ministry of Justice, the Department for Transport and the National Audit Office.
She will join RIBA on 9 January 2023.
"I am delighted we have appointed Valerie as chief executive," RIBA Board Chair Jack Pringle said.
"Valerie's successful track record in financial transformation and experience in forming international and professional partnerships will prove invaluable as we continue to transform RIBA and deliver our ambitious plans in support of members – and all those passionate about architecture – wherever they are based in the world."
Vaughan-Dick to replace interim CEOs
Vaughan-Dick will take over the role from Adrian Dobson and Pamela Harding, who have been interim CEOs at RIBA since former CEO Alan Vallance left the institution in July to take up a role at the Chartered Insurance Institute.
The institution, which is the UK's professional body for architects, also recently appointed architect Muyiwa Oki as its new president. Oki, who took up the role on 1 September, is the institution's first Black president and its youngest.
Earlier this year, RIBA announced that Benedetti Architects had been selected to lead the £20 million refurbishment of its headquarters, which aims to turn the building into a "cultural hub."
However, the refurbishment was criticised by Open City director Phineas Harper as being an "expensive solution to the wrong problem".
The main image is courtesy of RIBA.