The Landscape Institute (LI) has announced the appointment of its new permanent chief executive, Sue Morgan.
image: LI website
…Sue brings a dizzying breadth of experience and knowledge to her new role…
The Landscape Institute writes (30 July 2021):
At a critical time for the landscape sector, Sue’s huge wealth of experience will help the LI build on its recent successes, and position itself as a true industry leader.
…Sue joins the LI from Design Council, where she oversaw the expansion and growth of a diverse portfolio of projects and programmes – first as Director of Architecture and the Built Environment, then Executive Director, and finally as Interim CEO.
Sue brings a dizzying breadth of experience and knowledge to her new role. Her 25-year-plus career in the built environment, urban renewal and placemaking includes the delivery of the National Design Guide, High Streets Task Force, Home of 2030, and work with major infrastructure clients such as Network Rail and Highways England. Prior to joining Design Council, Sue has worked as CEO of Wandle Valley Regional Park Trust, founder of placemaking consultancy Around the Block Ltd, and a landscape architect and further education lecturer. She has held senior positions with London local authorities, Groundwork London, Building Services Research Information Association (BSRIA), and a number of London Urban Study Centres. She is also a director of the Parks Alliance, a Civic Trust Buildings and Landscape Awards Assessor, and has judged a number of prestigious awards, including the Landscape Institute, New London, AJ Architecture, and Pineapples Awards.
‘Our skills have never been more important for our wellbeing, economy, and planetary health.’
‘I’m thrilled to be joining the LI as chief executive and can’t wait to start work later this year with the Board, staff team, and our amazing members,’ said Sue.
‘Having worked in the built and natural environment for more than 25 years, I can see the crucial role the landscape profession has to play. Our members’ unique insight spans the whole lifecycle of planning, creating, and managing a wide range of habitats and places. I’m looking forward to forming new partnerships and working closely with our existing stakeholders to put this holistic vision at the heart of policy and development.
‘My priorities as chief executive will be upholding the LI’s values and mission, delivering our existing corporate strategy, and shaping a bold new strategy for 2023 onwards – not least to foster enthusiasm and support from a new and diverse generation of landscape professionals, whose skills have never been more important for our wellbeing, economy, and planetary health.’
‘We’re looking forward to working with Sue to build on the exciting opportunities we’ve created and help our Institute take its place as a leading voice in the sector.’
‘Sue’s passion and experience will be a huge asset to the LI at a pivotal point in its 91-year history,’ said LI President Jane Findlay.
‘There could never be a more important time than now for our profession. Our members have a vital contribution to make in tackling the biggest challenges of our time – climate change, nature loss, the health and wellbeing crisis – as well as creating inclusive and accessible places that celebrate the culture, diversity, and creativity of our communities.
‘We’re?enormously proud of what we’ve achieved in the past three years. Sue will build on the exciting opportunities we’ve created and help our Institute take its place as a leading voice in the sector.
‘On behalf of both the Board and myself, I’d like to extend our profound gratitude to our interim CEO Jane Swift, whose efforts these past six months have kept the LI on course, and helped us continue to deliver above and beyond all expectations.
‘The Board and I are now excited?to begin the next phase of the Landscape Institute’s evolution, and we’re looking forward to working with a new permanent chief executive who will help us deliver it.’
