Tim Eyles appointed as the new Chair of the RSA (Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce)

Tim Eyles appointed as the new Chair of the RSA (Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce)

Tim Eyles, Managing Partner at international law firm Taylor Wessing, and Chair of the Theatres Trust, has been appointed Chair of the RSA. He will be formally confirmed in the role at the RSA's AGM in October.

Since 2009 Tim Eyles has served three consecutive terms as UK Managing Partner and on the International Board at Taylor Wessing, having joined the firm in 1986.

Under Tim’s leadership, the firm’s global turnover has increased by 60% and profitability by 90% whilst 20 new offices have been added in Europe, the United States, the Middle East and Asia.

Tim is currently Chair of both the Theatres Trust (appointed by the Secretary of State at the DCMS) and the Jerwood Charitable Foundation, an arts charity which supports visual and performing arts across the UK.

Tim Eyles, Chair-Elect of the RSA, said:

“I am honoured and excited to be joining the RSA as Chair at such a fascinating time.

The Society plays a vital role in generating creative new ideas to give people the tools to make dynamic, progressive change in the world.

For the nearly 30,000 RSA Fellows, I know the organisation has developed a wide range of ways – platforms, events, seed funding, advice and support – to enable them to be change makers in their localities and areas of interest. I aim to meet as many Fellows as possible during my tenure.

We live in extraordinary times and I am absolutely convinced that a values-driven, independent organisation like the RSA which develops powerful and distinctive ways of addressing some of today's most pressing challenges is needed now more than ever."

Peter Fell, Deputy Chair, RSA, said:

“We are delighted that Tim Eyles is joining the RSA at one of the most exciting periods in our 260-year history. Tim is an energetic and visionary leader who brings a wealth of experience with him.

With his clear commitment to the vital importance of creativity and nurturing talent - we are delighted with his appointment. The whole Board and I look forward to working with Tim on our ambitious plans for the future including the launch in November of our new enlightenment coffeehouse, which will generate new spaces for Fellows and the wider public to network and debate."

Vikki Heywood CBE, outgoing Chair, RSA, said:

“I’m incredibly pleased to be handing over to Tim Eyles after 6 years as Chair. It has been a rewarding and immensely enjoyable period and the successes of the last 6 years would not have happened without the hard work and commitment from the Board, staff and Fellows. I would like to especially thank RSA trustees for the support and wisdom they have given me over the years.

I wish Tim Eyles and Matthew Taylor and the brilliant staff at the RSA all the very best for the future. The RSA is in excellent hands.”

Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive, RSA, said:

“I welcome Tim Eyles to his new role and much look forward to our working together.

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of RSA staff to pay tribute to our outgoing Chair Vikki Heywood CBE. Vikki was appointed for a second three year term as RSA Chair at the AGM in October 2015 and it is a testament to her impact that this was the first time ever that the Chair has been invited to remain. Under Vikki's leadership, we witnessed 40% growth in income and our profile and impact has grown substantially. To acknowledge Vikki's contribution to the RSA, I am delighted today to announce that we will be naming one of our new coffeehouse spaces - the Heywood Room - in tribute to her period as one of the most successful chairs in our history.”

Contact:

Ash Singleton, Head of Media and Communications, ash.singleton@rsa.org.uk, 07799 737 970.

Notes:

The RSA is an independent charity whose mission is to enrich society through ideas and action.

The organisation is led by Matthew Taylor, who recently authored the Taylor Review into modern employment practices for the Prime Minister.

Our work covers a number of areas including the rise of the 'gig economy', robotics & automation; education & creative learning; and reforming public services to put communities in control.