Our inspiring new alumni directors bring diverse experiences and perspectives, while we thank the board members who are stepping down.
Leadership development is at the core of Future of London’s mission, which is why we appoint two alumni as full board directors to our board. They bring their experience of the built environment, while helping to ensure that our leadership offer remains relevant to the sector.
At the last board, our alumni directors – Rumi Bose of Rumi Bose Ltd and Ether Everett from London Legacy Development Corporation – stepped down after serving a three-year term. We also welcomed their replacements – Tanusha Waters of the London Borough of Bexley and Polly Barker from Prior + Partners.
“We are committed to ensuring the board has fresh voices by giving opportunities to our talented alumni,” says chief executive Nicola Mathers.
“I would like to thank Rumi and Esther for their excellent contribution as directors and I know they will continue to stay very much involved in the Future of London network as established sector leaders. I know the board are looking forward to working with Polly and Tanusha, who bring invaluable public and private sector expertise.”
The incoming and outgoing directors in their own words
Tanusha Waters is Deputy Director – Housing and Strategic Planning at the London Borough of Bexley
“My career has focused on inclusive growth, strong place leadership and turning strategy into delivery, work that closely reflects Future of London’s role and purpose.
“That’s why I am delighted to be joining the Board of Future of London at a time of significant change for London and local government. I look forward to contributing my experience of planning reform, regeneration and partnership working to support the organisation’s next phase of development and impact.”
Polly Barker is a Director with Prior + Partners
“I am truly delighted to have joined the board and hope my experience across the built environment in London, the UK and internationally will bring fresh perspectives to an already highly experienced board.
“I am mindful that I am joining at a time of continued financial challenge, particularly in the public sector, and I intend to draw on my experience in case-making and impact assessment to better demonstrate the wide-ranging and remarkable value Future of London and its network deliver.”
Rumi Bose is the founder of Rumi Bose Ltd, an urban design and placeshaping practice
“Serving on the board of Future of London has been an honour. As a regeneration practitioner focused on placeshaping and civic collaboration, it has reinforced for me how important trusted cross-sector spaces are in shaping better cities.
“Future of London has a unique ability to bring together people, perspectives and practice in generous, thoughtful and action-oriented ways. I’ve particularly valued its commitment to inclusive leadership and to creating more connected, resilient and equitable places across London.”
Esther Everett is Director of Placemaking at the London Legacy Development Corporation
“As I step back from my role as Board Member and reflect on the past three years, I’m struck by how unique FoL is. From its transformative leadership programmes, shaping careers across the sector, to its research services strengthening the industry’s evidence base, its impact is clear.
“But for me, its greatest strength lies in convening its network’s collective expertise—creating space for open and critical dialogue —independent of profit—positioning it at the forefront of navigating the industry’s ever increasing challenges. I look forward to seeing its continued impact in the years ahead.”