Mike Ryan became the Institution’s Director General in 1990, overseeing its incorporation in 1992 as a company limited by guarantee. He also successfully helped the Institution petition for the grant of a Coat of Arms, which was duly made on 13th March 1995 under a warrant issued by His Grace the Duke of Norfolk, Earl Marshal of England, to Sir Conrad Swan, Garter King at Arms.
It was under Mike Ryan’s direction that the Institution’s regular and very popular series of Annual Symposia was established. He also strengthened the Institution’s staff, which lead to the Institution expanding into additional office space at Boundary House from its long-term offices at Charles House.
Mike Ryan informed the Council of his intention to retire at its April 2010 meeting, after serving as Director General of the Institution for twenty years.
The Nominations and Appointments Committee of Council spent several months carefully seeking out a successor before deciding to appoint Alastair Revell.
The Council of the Institution decided on 15th January 2011 to appoint Mike Ryan to the honorary office of Director Emeritus. Mr Ryan continues to serve the Institution by advising both Council and the Executive Board.
In 2017 the Council decided to convert the Institution to a Charity and this was voted on at an EGM. At this point the Council was replaced by the Trustee Board.
