23.11.2020, 21:17
Inauguration of New RICS President
Kathleen Fontana, managing director of Mitie’s Critical Infrastructure and Projects division, has been inaugurated as President of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors for 2020-1.
The inauguration on Friday followed the professional association’s AGM which was chaired by Tim Neal, outgoing RICS President.
Fontana has held senior roles in property, construction and outsourcing across a range of sectors, and is active in driving engagement and inspiring change in the built environment. She is a passionate promoter of technology, social impact and diversity as drivers of long-term value.
Delivering her inaugural speech, she said: “For all of us in the profession this has been an extraordinary year with many challenges. I am exceptionally proud of the way that surveyors have supported and led their communities, colleagues and customers. The RICS resilience stories have proved to be a real source of pride and inspiration.
“Across the globe, RICS professionals are delivering resilient responses to the current challenges impacting our industry and wider society.
“As we start to think about emerging from this crisis I would urge us all to be focused not only on the short-term recovery and regain, but also on the once in a lifetime opportunity to reset and to ‘build back better’ – to continue to address the global challenges of digitalisation, sustainability and social impact. With this strategic focus we can ensure that the assets in the natural and built environment assets are harnessed to truly promote a better future for all.”
Fontana will be supported during her term as RICS President by President Elect, Clement Lau and Senior Vice President, Ann Gray.
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