Dermot Finch appointed Head of Public Affairs at Fishburn Hedges

Date: 19/05/2010

Dermot Finch, Centre for Cities' Chief Executive has been appointed as Head of Public Affairs at Fishburn Hedges, and will be leaving the Centre at the end of July.

Dermot has headed up the Centre for Cities since setting it up in 2005.  Before that, he was a policy adviser at HM Treasury for 11 years, advising both Ken Clarke and Gordon Brown's ministerial teams as well as holding the post of First Secretary (Economic Affairs) during a three-year posting to the British Embassy in Washington.  Dermot will start in his new position at Fishburn Hedges in August.

Centre for Cities will be recruiting for Dermot's successor immediately.  Liz Amos Associates will be handling this recruitment (www.lizamosassociates.com).

Claire Maugham, Deputy Chief Executive at the Centre for Cities said

"During his time at the Centre for Cities, Dermot has established the organisation as one of the most recognised and trusted independent voices on UK urban policy.  He's helped raise the profile of cities with all the main political parties - and deliver proposals which have taken root inside Whitehall and local government.  This is a great opportunity for Dermot and we and our Board are all wishing him well in his new role."

Dermot Finch said:

"It's been a real pleasure to set up and lead the Centre for Cities over the past five years. The Centre has become one of the leading authorities on the economic performance of UK cities, and a leading advocate for more powerful city regions. I'm proud of our achievements, and am grateful to all my colleagues and trustees - past and present - for their contribution to the Centre's success. I wish the Centre all the very best for its next phase.

"I'm really looking forward to my new role at Fishburn Hedges. This is a fascinating time to move into public affairs, with enormous policy challenges facing the new Government and difficult decisions facing private and non-profit players. I aim to bring my Whitehall, Washington and think tank experience to Fishburn Hedges."

Notes to editors

For more information, please contact: Claire Maugham, Deputy Chief Executive, Centre for Cities 020 7803 4315

Centre for Cities is an independent research and policy institute. Committed to helping Britain's cities improve their economic performance, the Centre produces practical research and policy advice for Whitehall, cities and business.