Royal Astronomical Society

Executive Director

Founded in 1820, the Royal Astronomical Society is a learned society and registered charity that supports the scientific disciplines of Astronomy and Geophysics and enjoys Royal Patronage from HRH King Charles III.

Having been initially retained by the RAS in 2016 when Philip Diamond was appointed as Executive Director, Hanover Fox were again asked to lead the search process when he decided to step down from the role after 8 successful years in post.

A Recruitment Steering Group chaired by RAS President, Professor Mike Lockwood oversaw the entire process. The Hanover Fox team comprised Phil de Glanville (who had led the previous search) and Tim Kaner.

Having agreed the short-list for interview, Professor Lockwood asked Tim to attend as an observer and clearly found his involvement helpful, commenting:-

‘As well as doing the heavy lifting for us, he helped enormously to get the interviews as organized, sharp and penetrating as possible and was (because we asked him to be) a truly excellent observer who noted things about responses to questions that we had missed.’

After a thorough search and selection process, the appointment of the Steering Group’s recommended candidate – Ian Russell – was reported to the Council of the RAS in March 2025. In May Philip Diamond attended his final RAS AGM as Executive Director before handing over the reins to his successor.

The Hanover Fox team found working with the RAS very enjoyable, a feeling reciprocated by the RAS President who summarized saying:-

‘I found the whole thing a very positive experience – exhausting for sure, but uplifting and actually very interesting. I genuinely enjoyed talking to all the candidates that we interviewed: they all had strengths and I felt very supported in finding the optimum for our requirements.’

 Professor Mike Lockwood, President Royal Astronomical Society