Ruth Reed is course director of the Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Practice at the Birmingham School of Architecture and a Partner of Green Planning Solutions. She has also sat on the RIBA's Council, been Vice President of Membership, Chaired the RIBA's CPD Sub-committee and served as President of the Royal Society of Architects in Wales. 

Announcing the election results, Richard Hastilow, chief executive of the RIBA, said:

"We congratulate Ruth Reed on her success – and welcome the first female president of the RIBA. Congratulations also to Andrew Hanson on a strong result in a closely-contested election."

Voting was by secret ballot with forms returned to the Electoral Reform Society, who run the entire election on behalf of the RIBA.