Victoria Hills: Leading the Future of Planning, Sustainability, and Infrastructure
Victoria Hills MRTPI FICE FRSA MCMI CMgr is a highly respected leader in the fields of urban planning, transport, and sustainable development. With over two decades of experience across government, development corporations, and advisory boards, she has become one of the most influential voices shaping the future of the built environment in the United Kingdom. Currently serving as the Chief Executive at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), she has dedicated her career to driving excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in the planning profession.
Early Career and Education
Academic Foundations
Victoria Hills’ educational journey laid the groundwork for her leadership in urban planning and infrastructure. She earned her BA (Hons) in Geography with Business Studies from the University of Wolverhampton in 1995. This combination of environmental understanding and business acumen would later prove essential in her strategic roles.
She went on to pursue a Master of Town Planning at Newcastle University, graduating in 1998. This advanced qualification gave her the professional foundation to become a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI).
Executive Leadership Development
In her commitment to continuous professional development, Hills completed The Imperial College and Corndel Executive Development Programme in Senior Leadership from Imperial Business School in 2023, achieving a Distinction. This programme honed her skills in executive decision-making, strategic management, and organisational transformation — competencies she has applied in leading complex, high-profile organisations.
Professional Journey
Early Roles in Policy and Transport
Hills began her professional career in Wycombe District Council as a Transport Policy Officer in 1998. She then joined Steer Davies Gleave in 2000 as a Senior Consultant, working on strategic transport planning projects.
In 2002, she moved to the Greater London Authority (GLA), where she would remain for over a decade. At the GLA, she held several senior positions, including Transport Relationships & Governance Manager, Senior Programme Manager for London 2012 City Operations, and ultimately Head of Transport.
Her work with the Mayor’s 2012 Team demonstrated her capability in delivering large-scale operational planning for global events.
Leadership at Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation
In 2014, Hills became Director and later Chief Executive Officer of the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC). The OPDC is one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects, aiming to deliver thousands of new homes and jobs.
During her tenure from 2015 to 2018, she navigated complex planning and stakeholder challenges, balancing housing growth with economic development, and ensuring sustainable outcomes.
Chief Executive at the Royal Town Planning Institute
In April 2018, Hills was appointed Chief Executive of the RTPI, the professional body representing over 27,000 planning professionals. Under her leadership, the RTPI has:
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Increased membership diversity and inclusion.
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Strengthened advocacy for the value of town planning in tackling climate change, housing shortages, and infrastructure needs.
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Enhanced professional development opportunities for planners in the UK and internationally.
Her approach combines political engagement with grassroots member support, ensuring the RTPI remains relevant and influential in shaping planning policy.
Board Memberships and Advisory Roles
BPIC Network
Since June 2023, Hills has served as a Board Member of the BPIC Advisory Board. The BPIC Network works to promote diversity and inclusion in the built environment sector, supporting underrepresented groups in progressing their careers.
Greener Transport Council
Appointed in July 2021, Hills is a Board Member of the Greener Transport Council, which provides independent, evidence-based advice to accelerate the transition to zero-carbon transport in the UK.
Essex Climate Action Commission
Since March 2020, she has been a Commissioner for the Essex Climate Action Commission, guiding the county’s strategy towards net-zero carbon emissions, biodiversity enhancement, and climate resilience.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
From December 2020 to November 2024, Hills served on the Office for Place Advisory Board under the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. In this role, she contributed expertise on design quality, placemaking, and planning reform.
Professional Affiliations and Recognition
Victoria Hills’ professional qualifications and honours reflect her standing in the industry:
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MRTPI – Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute
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FICE – Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers
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FRSA – Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts
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MCMI CMgr – Chartered Manager and Member of the Chartered Management Institute
These affiliations not only acknowledge her expertise but also connect her to networks that influence policy, innovation, and best practice in planning and engineering.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Throughout her career, Hills has championed equality, diversity, and inclusion. Her work with BPIC Network and as an ambassador for Transitions London — supporting refugee professionals into employment — demonstrates her belief that the built environment sector must reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.
Leadership Style and Impact
Hills is recognised for her strategic vision, collaborative approach, and ability to influence at the highest levels of government and industry. She combines policy expertise with operational know-how, enabling her to deliver outcomes in complex political and organisational contexts.
Under her leadership, the RTPI has not only grown in membership but has also become a more visible and respected voice in debates on housing, climate change, and sustainable urban development.
Future Prospects
Victoria Hills’ influence extends beyond her current roles. Her combination of academic achievement, leadership experience, and commitment to societal impact positions her as a continuing force in shaping the future of planning, transport, and environmental policy in the UK.
With her broad network across public, private, and third sectors, she is well-placed to drive collaborative solutions to some of the UK’s most pressing urban challenges.
Conclusion
Victoria Hills MRTPI FICE FRSA MCMI CMgr is a dynamic leader whose career spans local government, major regeneration projects, national professional bodies, and influential advisory boards. Her work demonstrates a consistent focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and excellence in planning and infrastructure.
From her early days as a transport policy officer to her current position as Chief Executive at the RTPI, Hills has exemplified professional dedication and strategic vision. Her leadership continues to inspire planners, policymakers, and professionals across the built environment sector to strive for better, more sustainable, and more equitable places.
In an era where the built environment is central to tackling climate change, housing crises, and economic regeneration, Victoria Hills stands out as a guiding figure — ensuring that the planning profession not only adapts to change but actively shapes a better future for all.
