The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has announced the appointment of Victoria Hills MRTPI FICE to the position of chief executive, who will take up the role from April 16.

Victoria is a Chartered Town Planner and is currently chief executive officer for the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, the UK’s largest regeneration project.

Victoria has more than 20 years’ experience working at senior levels in planning and transport. In autumn 2014 Victoria was seconded to establish and head up the Mayor’s second Mayoral Development Corporation, Old Oak and Park Royal (OPDC).

Chair of the RTPI Board of Trustees, Graham Stallwood FRTPI, said: “Victoria’s leadership, understanding and passion for planning combined with her impressive record of advocacy, partnership and influencing stands out. Victoria joins us as our membership is fast approaching 25,000 and our research and policy work is having increasing impact and influence. She will be a powerful addition to our campaign promoting the value of planners and planning both in the UK and internationally.”

Victoria Hills added: “I’m thrilled to be joining the RTPI at such an important time for planning. I’m looking forward to making a positive difference, to put planning centre stage. I’m excited by the future opportunities this role will bring and I can’t wait to work with all the excellent staff, volunteers and members.”

Victoria joins RTPI as the Institute bids farewell to Trudi Elliott CBE MRTPI, who steps down at the end of March to focus on new projects after more than seven years as chief executive.