Hetan Shah, executive director of the RSS, has announced that after eight years in post he will be stepping down at the end of January 2020. He will be moving on to take up the role of chief executive of the British Academy.
During his time at the RSS, the Society has grown in membership, more than doubled its financial reserves and developed a stronger external profile through work such as 'RSS Statistics of the Year' and the Society's Data Manifesto. It has also launched many new initiatives, such as the Statisticians for Society programme, whereby RSS fellows have provided statistical expertise for many charities.
Hetan said 'I have really loved working with the RSS fellowship. The RSS plays a really important role in society, and I hope it continues to prosper in its role to improve data, evidence and decisions.'
Deborah Ashby, RSS President, said: ‘Hetan cares deeply about how data can be used for society and leaves a legacy that has changed how the society operates, for the better. Speaking personally, I will really miss working with him. The RSS should be proud that his next appointment is to the British Academy, and I trust that will cement and strengthen relations between the BA and the RSS.’
The RSS will soon begin the recruitment of a new executive director.