The London Society, a civic society and charity founded in 1912, is delighted to announce the appointment of five new trustees, each bringing deep experience and passion for London’s built environment, communities and civic life.
The London Society exists to make the complex issues facing Londoners clear, relatable, and actionable, translating policy and planning into everyday understanding. We act as a conduit for Londoners’ voices, promoting what good looks like, quantifying what doesn’t, and encouraging constructive conversations rooted in real-world experience. By connecting bricks and mortar with hearts and minds, we help inform and connect Londoners across neighbourhoods, networks, and shared places.
At a time when London faces major challenges and opportunities, from housing delivery and infrastructure pressures to climate transition and widening inequalities, the Society continues to provide a trusted, independent platform where Londoners, professionals and policymakers can come together to understand and shape their city.
The new trustees collectively bring expertise in planning, regeneration, design, transport, community engagement, communications and strategic development. Their knowledge and networks will help the society expand its reach, strengthen its public programme, and ensure that the voices of ordinary Londoners remain at the heart of civic conversation.
The new trustees are:
Jay Allan
Director at Kanda, specialising in strategic communications, inclusive engagement and broadening participation in planning and development.
“The London Society offers something increasingly rare — constructive, inclusive discussion about the future of our city. I’m passionate about engaging younger and more diverse Londoners in the conversations that shape their neighbourhoods. Joining the Board is a chance to give back to a city I care deeply about and to help the Society expand its reach and impact.”
Kayode Akinola
A communications and public affairs leader with senior roles at Goldman Sachs, JLL and HS2, focused on connecting the built environment with wider economic and social outcomes.
“London is full of opportunity, but not everyone experiences it equally. The London Society’s commitment to representing the whole city, and all its communities, is what drew me to become a trustee. I look forward to helping the Society raise its profile and champion the built environment as a driver of economic, social and environmental progress for all Londoners.”
Graeme Craig
Chief Executive of Places for London, – Transport for London’s (TfL) wholly-owned property company – overseeing one of the capital’s largest property estates at the intersection of transport, development and civic life.
“The London Society connects bricks and mortar with hearts and minds — a mission that resonates deeply with me. London faces major challenges, but it also has extraordinary strengths. I’m looking forward to helping the Society remain a trusted, independent platform where people from across the capital can come together to shape a fairer, greener and more resilient city.”
Kathryn Firth
Urban designer, strategist and academic with extensive international and London-focused experience in city-making, regenerative design, placemaking and civic engagement.
“I believe passionately in rediscovering the civic. The London Society was born out of civic duty and continues that tradition today. I’m delighted to contribute to an organisation that encourages thoughtful dialogue across disciplines, generations and communities — and inspires Londoners to play an active role in shaping their city.”
Alice Lester MBE
A senior public-sector planning and regeneration leader with nearly 40 years’ experience shaping London’s built environment and working with communities, boroughs and developers.
“After nearly four decades working in planning and regeneration, I know how vital it is to bring people together to explore the challenges and opportunities facing London. The London Society does this brilliantly. I’m excited to help steward its work and ensure it remains a vibrant, trusted forum for curiosity, debate and civic understanding.”
Chair’s Statement
Leanne Tritton, Chair of The London Society, said:
“The London Society is thrilled to welcome Graeme, Kathryn, Alice, Jay and Kayode to the Board. Each brings outstanding experience, fresh ideas and deep commitment to London. As The London Society continues to grow its membership, programme and influence, their expertise will strengthen our ability to convene the important conversations about London’s future. Most of all, they share our belief that London thrives when ordinary Londoners have a clear voice in shaping their city.”
Current Trustees:
For further information, please contact: Leanne Tritton chair@londonsociety.org.uk
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