Rob Fiehn has been announced as the new director of The London Society. After spending four years in a voluntary role on the committee, he has now been formally appointed as the charity’s new lead, following in the footsteps of Don Brown who was the organisation’s first director from 2015 – 2023.

Leanne Tritton, chair of The London Society said: “The London Society is one of London’s oldest and most respected civil societies and has a unique role in engaging Londoners in the complex issues around how we build and plan London. We are so pleased that as director, Rob Fiehn will be providing his knowledge and energy to ensuring The London Society spreads the conversation as far and wide across London. It’s a challenging and exciting time.”

Rob has been an active trustee since 2019, helping to organise numerous events and leading the London of the Future project – an upcoming once-in-a-century book that was first published in 1921 and has now been recreated with the next 100 years in mind. He has been hired to oversee the Society’s long-term strategy to grow and diversify, continuing its mission to value the past and look to the future.

Set-up in 1912 by the luminaries of the day, including Edwin Lutyens and Ashton Webb, The London Society has long held the belief that the UK capital city must improve for the benefit of all its citizens. The progressive group soon became known for their campaigns for better infrastructure, planning and development, acting as an early precursor for Abercrombie’s Greater London Plan and the Green Belt. Harry Gordon Selfridge, founder of Selfridges department store, saw it as an important forum to which he could contribute to the debate on the capital’s future and became a life member.

Commenting on his appointment, Rob Fiehn said: “I’m truly honoured to take on the role of director of The London Society. As soon as I joined the committee, I was impressed by the dedication and passion of the charity to demystify the complex processes that go into shaping this incredible city. I am a born and bred Londoner but I remain in awe of how diverse and inclusive it can be. However, there is always room for improvement and I can’t wait to contribute in my own small way. There are many great organisations and institutions out there that support the health and prosperity of London and I look forward to collaborating with them all.”

For more information about the appointment and the Society in general please contact: info@londonsociety.org.uk

About The London Society

The London Society is a forum for debate on the future of London. We are for all who love London and strive to be representative of the whole city and its communities.

Our motto is "valuing the past; looking to the future" – a mission that the Society tries to achieve through its publications, events and lobbying.

We arrange events and visits to a variety of places, buildings and institutions, some not generally open to the public, organise debates and lectures, including the annual Sir Banister Fletcher Lecture, addressed by distinguished speakers. The Society also sponsors the All Party Parliamentary Group on London Planning and Built Environment.

Members get discounted tickets to all events, priority booking and the Society’s Journal each year.

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Photo: Robert Shiret