The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced that Alan Vallance will be leaving the RIBA in July to take on the role of Chief Executive at the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Alan has been RIBA Chief Executive since February 2016 and was previously Interim Chief Operating Officer.
Under Alan’s leadership, the RIBA has begun a comprehensive transformation programme including a governance and constitution overhaul, staff restructure, property review, and investment in technology and international support – all focussed on modernising the RIBA and improving services and value for members wherever they live or work.
Alan has been an influential representative for the RIBA and the architecture profession with UK Government, leading on issues including international trade, climate action and Brexit negotiations, and on key panels including the Professional Business Services Council, the Creative Industries Council and the Creative Industries Trade and Investment Board.
Alan led the most significant financial transaction of RIBA’s history: the agreement of a joint venture and subsequent sale of RIBA’s commercial subsidiary, RIBA Enterprises/NBS, enabling the organisation to establish a significant investment fund for sustainable growth in perpetuity.
This focus on a sustainable business model, alongside his championing of climate action, technology and a programme of work to build a more culturally intelligent and inclusive organisation, ensures that the RIBA is well-placed to support our global membership and engage and inspire our global audiences.
Alan will leave the RIBA on 31 July 2022; the process to recruit his successor is underway.
Chair of the RIBA Board of Trustees, Jack Pringle, said: “On behalf of the RIBA Board, our members and staff team, I would like to thank Alan for his hard work over the last six years and wish him every success in his new role.
“From Brexit to the Covid pandemic, Alan has helped the organisation and our members navigate some incredibly challenging operating conditions.
“This is an exciting time of change for the RIBA. We have the foundations in place for a much more effective organisation, and we look forward to recruiting Alan’s successor to help us further embed our transformation and deliver on our ambitious goals.”
RIBA Chief Executive, Alan Vallance, said: “After six great years it has been a difficult decision to move on from an organisation and team I care so much about, but it is the right time for the RIBA and for myself to take this step.
“It has been a privilege and honour to represent this world-class organisation and profession at the highest levels, globally.
“My sincere thanks to everyone who I have had the pleasure of working with.
“The RIBA is an incredible organisation – a force for good thanks to its impressive network of trustees, volunteers, partners and exceptional staff – and I am proud of our many collective achievements during my time at the helm.”
