RGS (IBG) and the AGI announce the appointment of a Senior Public Affairs Manager

Damian will help us to further a shared vision and mission to ensure that geography and geographic information is recognised as an important enabler to the world of big data that surrounds us in the digital economy, and is used more widely across the public, private and third sectors.

Damian will provide a strong voice for the two organisations in this area; championing a better understanding of geography and the increased use of geographic information, to raise awareness, change behaviours, influence market growth, and inform business, policy and community decisions.

Damian brings extensive policy, strategy and public affairs experience from the public sector, at national and local level, and from industry associations in highly regulated sectors of the economy. https://www.linkedin.com/in/damiantesta/

Notes to editors:
1. For further media enquiries, including interview requests, please contact the RGS-IBG’s Head of Communications and Public Engagement, Caitlin Watson, [email protected], 020 7591 3008 or AGI Chair, Abigail Page [email protected] +44 (0)20 7129 1006.
2. The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography. Formed in 1830 for 'the advancement of geographical science', today we deliver this objective through developing, supporting and promoting the discipline; advancing, interpreting and sharing new knowledge and applications widely across the research, expeditions and fieldwork, education, public, and policy communities; and in supporting geographers, nationally and internationally, from professionals to students. We aim to foster an informed understanding of our world for the benefit of all. The Society has a thriving Fellowship and membership (ca 16,000), including accredited Chartered Geographers, for which there is a specialist GI strand; and as a charity its work reaches ca. 3.5 million people a year. www.rgs.org
3. The Association for Geographic Information (AGI) is the membership organisation for the UK geospatial industry. The AGI exists to promote the knowledge and use of Geographic Information for the betterment of governance, commerce and the citizen. The AGI represent the interests of the UK's Geographic Information industry; a wide-ranging group of public and private sector organisations, suppliers of Geographic Information/ geospatial software, hardware, data and services, consultants, academics and interested individuals. Since its formal inception in 1989, it has built up a significant membership base and established itself as a respected voice in geospatial and is the membership body for everyone with an interest or involvement with geospatial. http://www.agi.org.uk/