Steve Thomas, M1ACB, of Sternfield, Saxmundham, England, has been appointed as the new general manager of the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB). He will succeed Graham Coomber, G0NBI, who is retiring. Thomas has a background in the IT and telecoms industries, with senior roles in management, leadership and strategy. He has also served as a director of an international standards organization and brings experience in contract, project, and financial management.

“He will be working with the Board to review the Society’s strategy, to ensure that the RSGB works effectively to increase awareness and understanding of Amateur Radio, wireless science and its technologies, and also to make the hobby accessible to everyone,” an RSGB announcement said.

Thomas will come aboard on April 11, and there will be a brief overlap period to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities before Coomber departs on April 30. An RSGB volunteer since 2008 in various roles, Thomas recently has been part of the team supporting the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) school contacts with UK/ESA astronaut Tim Peake, KG5BVI/GB1SS, working with the schools and local clubs involved.

He is an active radio amateur, with varied interests including DX, contesting, and training.

The RSGB expressed its appreciation to Coomber “for his unstinting efforts over the last 4 years” and wished him well in retirement.