Professor Diana Beech appointed to City of London Destination Advisory Board

Professor Diana Beech, Director of the Finsbury Institute at City St George’s, University of London, has been appointed to the City of London Corporation’s Destination Advisory Board.

The Board advises on Destination City, which is the City of London Corporation’s strategy to strengthen the Square Mile’s position as a leading global business and cultural destination. The strategy aims to attract and retain high-value firms and highly skilled people, while ensuring the City remains a place where people want to work, learn, build careers and connect.

Professor Beech joins a group of senior figures from across business, culture, education and the City of London Corporation, including representatives from London & Partners, Arup, Fortnum & Mason, and Historic Royal Palaces.

Also newly joining the Board were Gaby Robertshaw, Councillor for Cripplegate who is the Planning and Transportation Appointment; Nicole Brocklebank Fowler, Global Head of Real Estate at Arup & Master, and member of The Worshipful Company of Gunmakers; and Harry Owen, CEO of CityAM.

The appointment builds on Professor Beech’s work through the Finsbury Institute, a new policy hub for the City of London, where she brings together higher education institutions, policymakers and organisations across the City to explore the issues shaping the future of the Square Mile.

Professor Beech said:

I am delighted to join the Destination Advisory Board at such an important moment for the City of London. I am particularly passionate about championing the contribution that the education sector can make to the Destination City vision and to the City’s long-term prosperity.

As competition for global talent intensifies, the City’s success will depend not only on maintaining its position as a world-leading business centre, but also on strengthening its appeal as a place where people come to learn, innovate, build careers and forge connections.

London’s universities are among the capital’s greatest strengths, generating talent, driving innovation, enriching debate and building global connections. By deepening collaboration between higher education and the City, we have a significant opportunity to ensure the Square Mile is not only a place where people come to work, but somewhere the next generation actively chooses to study, build careers and shape its future.

Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the Destination Board, said:

We are delighted to welcome Professor Diana Beech to the Destination Advisory Board.

Her expertise in higher education and commitment to developing future talent through City St George's and the Finsbury Institute will bring a valuable perspective as we continue to strengthen the City's appeal as a place for learning, innovation and opportunity.

Through its strategic advice and sector expertise, the Board plays a key role in supporting the Square Mile's growth and helping to shape the future direction of Destination City.

Professor Beech is the inaugural Director of the Finsbury Institute and Professor and Assistant Vice-President at City St George’s.

Since its launch, the Institute has developed a programme of policy engagement, events and collaboration with organisations across the City. Its latest Impact Report highlights the Institute’s growing role in convening leaders and experts around issues affecting London and the City of London.

She joined the University in 2025 following her role as Chief Executive of London Higher and has previously worked in government affairs and higher education policy.

Her appointment to the Destination Advisory Board will provide an opportunity to further strengthen collaboration between the University, the City of London and the wider higher education sector, supporting the Destination City vision and the long-term prosperity of the Square Mile.