Kathleen Fontana has become president of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for 2020-21.

Her inauguration took place last Friday after the RICS annual general meeting 2020 chaired by outgoing president Tim Neal.

Fontana, the managing director of Critical Infrastructure and Projects at Mitie plc., has held a range of senior roles in property, construction and outsourcing across an array of sectors. 

She is active in leading engagement and inspiring change in the built environment and promoting technology, social impact and diversity as drivers of long-term value.

After her inauguration, Fontana said: “For all of us in the profession this has been an extraordinary year with many challenges. I am exceptionally proud of the way that surveyors have supported and led their communities, colleagues and customers. The RICS resilience stories have proved to be a real source of pride and inspiration. Across the globe, RICS professionals are delivering resilient responses to the current challenges impacting our industry and wider society.

“As we start to think about emerging from this crisis I would urge us all to be focused not only on the short-term recovery and regain, but also on the once in a lifetime opportunity to reset and to ‘build back better’ – to continue to address the global challenges of digitalisation, sustainability and social impact. With this strategic focus, we can ensure that the assets in the natural and built environment are harnessed to truly promote a better future for all.”

She will be supported during her term as president by president-elect Clement Lau and senior vice-president Ann Gray.