Royal Astronomical Society

Executive Director

The role of Executive Director at the Royal Astronomical Society requires a particular skillset, balancing the learned society’s scientific aims with commercial, publishing and operational imperatives.

Nigel Berman, the Society’s treasurer who oversaw this crucial appointment, considered a number of Executive Search firms before appointing Hanover Fox.

“Hanover Fox’s experience with a wide range of appointments from other academic institutions to city livery companies gave us confidence gave us confidence they were the right people for us.

“After an initial brief, I took a very light touch. They came back with a long-list of 12 names, each accompanied by insightful candidate reports. We interviewed six candidates and Hanover Fox then helped us to narrow the field to three for a second interview.

“In the end I was confident each of those three could have done an excellent job. It then came down to a matter of style and the direction in which they might lead the Society.

“Hanover Fox gave us an invaluable outside perspective in honing our choices, as well as providing the resources, expertise and reach to attract candidates we simply couldn’t have done on our own. They were open and engaging and I would certainly recommend them.”

Nigel Berman – Treasurer, Royal Astronomical Society