RIBA appoints a chief executive

The RIBA has appointed Harry Rich, a former director of the Design Council, as its new chief executive.

Sunand Prasad, RIBA president, said: "In Harry Rich we have found a chief executive who will build on the achievements of Richard Hastilow’s time at the RIBA, while responding with imagination and determination to the changed circumstances in which architecture as much as any profession finds itself.

"He is an accomplished communicator as well as organiser. He impressed the panel with his understanding of the worlds of design and enterprise as well as his appreciation of the needs of a member led organisation."

He will replace Richard Hastilow in October.