RTPI’s Victoria Hills appointed new CIOB CEO

Dr Victoria Hills, current chief executive of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), has been appointed as the next chief executive officer of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), taking over from Caroline Gumble later this year.

The CIOB Board of Trustees confirmed the appointment, citing Hills’ track record in transformational leadership, digital engagement, and stakeholder outreach. During her tenure at RTPI, Hills drove growth in membership and positioned planning as a key topic in policy debates on the built environment.

Steve Nitman, chair of CIOB’s Board, said: “Victoria brings a wealth and depth of experience to begin a new chapter in our long and influential history.”

Hills described the shift to construction as “the next frontier” in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals, and pledged to focus on professional standards, innovation, policy influence, and global community building.

She said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time for professionalism in the construction sector. The opportunity to improve the quality of the built environment and strengthen talent across the CIOB global community is one not to be missed.”

Hills also paid tribute to outgoing CEO Caroline Gumble, who led a significant change programme during her time in post.