John Lewin

Chief Executive Officer

With a career spanning 40 years in commercial and investment banking, John Lewin is the BIS Chief Executive Officer.

As CEO, John is responsible for the Society’s strategy, governance and day‑to‑day operations, working closely with Council, Fellows, staff and volunteers to ensure that the BIS continues to thrive as a modern, outward‑looking learned society. Under his leadership, the Society is focusing on three priorities: strengthening its role as a home for serious discussion of astronautics and space policy; expanding its outreach to the wider public, students and early‑career professionals; and developing sustainable business models around membership, events and publications. John oversees the Society’s portfolio of activities, including its renowned lectures and conferences, its programme of online events and community engagement, and the publication of BIS magazines and books. He is also currently the Chairman of Renaissance Capital Ltd., CFO of Macro-Advisory Ltd., CEO of Evolution and Philanthropy and a Trustee of the Congregation of Josephites.

John brings considerable experience in the charity sector as Chair, CEO and Trustee of various charities and as a School Governor at various schools; he is also a qualified accountant.  With a lifelong interest in all things space-related, John has been a BIS member since 2012 and is currently working towards a degree in Astronomy and Planetary Science with The Open University.