At its Annual General Meeting today London First, the capital’s leading business campaign group, announced that Lesley-Ann Nash has joined its Board with immediate effect. Angela Jain, MD at ITV Studios Entertainment has been appointed as the organisation’s Deputy Chair, replacing Dame Inga Beale, who leaves the London First Board after three years.
Lesley-Ann will join other senior business leaders on the Board at a critical time as the organisation looks to London’s future, and as it works to make the capital the best place in the world to do business. She joins Angela, and others including Sarah Sands, former Editor of the Today Programme, Mark Reynolds, Chief Executive, Mace, and Richard Iferenta, Partner and Vice Chair, KPMG and other Board members in supporting London First in delivering on its mission.
Lesley-Ann spent two decades in investment banking, building and leading structured interbank businesses. She then spent seven years in the Cabinet Office, where she headed several large-scale programmes. On leaving government, Lesley-Ann embarked on a NED career, being appointed to the boards of St James’s Place PLC and Workspace Group. She is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and holds an MBA from CASS Business School.
Angela Jain has produced nearly 1,000 hours of television for every major broadcaster, with shows ranging from The Voice and Love Island to University Challenge. She previously ran E4, during which time she commissioned The Inbetweeners and acquired The Big Bang Theory. Angela also sits on the board of the Edinburgh TV Festival and Film London.
Paul Drechsler, Chair of London First, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Lesley-Ann to the London First Board. Her experience will be invaluable as we chart the organisation’s course during a great period of change for London, amid challenges from other global cities.
“Angela shares my passion for London’s success and I am thrilled that she is to become Deputy Chair. I look forward to working more closely with her to help shape the future of London First.”
Lesley-Ann Nash added:
“Our capital is facing many challenges and opportunities; notably, redefining its place in the world and its role in the Government’s renewed levelling up mission. London First will be pivotal in both. I am delighted to join this exceptional team.”
Angela Jain, London First Deputy Chair, said:
“As a passionate advocate for London and a lifelong Londoner, I am honoured and thrilled to be given this opportunity to support the team at London First and the Chair. London is a vibrant, creative and irresistible city, with world class talent and an indomitable spirit and uniqueness. London First’s aim to make London the best city in the world to do business is more important today than ever.”