Peter Cheese is to retire as chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in June 2026 after 14 years in post, marking the end of a transformative era for the UK’s professional HR body.
Announcing his plans at the organisation’s annual conference, Cheese said he was proud to have led the CIPD through significant change, during which its membership grew from 120,000 to 165,000, and its global reach and policy influence were considerably strengthened.
He said the decision came at a time when the CIPD was on solid ground and well positioned to face the challenges ahead, particularly those linked to AI, automation and the changing nature of work.
“After what will be 14 years leading the CIPD, I’ve decided the time is right to retire and hand over to a new leader,” he said. “It has been a great privilege to serve the profession and advocate for what we do in so many different forums and contexts.”
Legacy of growth and influence
Cheese said his time at the CIPD had been marked by “many changes we have navigated and what we have accomplished”, and he praised the efforts of staff, volunteers and partner organisations during his tenure.
He said he hoped to remain involved in the world of work through non-executive roles, and by continuing to speak and write on the future of business. “I want to continue to advocate for the profession and a positive future of work in times of significant change,” he added.
The CIPD Board said it would begin recruiting for a new chief executive in the months ahead. Chair Professor Chris Bones said Cheese had led a period of significant transformation and ensured the organisation was well placed for the future.
“The impact of Peter’s leadership cannot be overstated,” he said. “On behalf of the Board and our members, we thank him for his dedication and the transformation he has led.”
Facing the future of work
Bones said the incoming leader would help the CIPD navigate the next phase of its journey, particularly as employers face new pressures from automation, evolving employee expectations and rapid technological change.
Rt Hon Chloe Smith, President of the CIPD and a former cabinet minister, said Cheese had been “an outstanding leader and champion of our profession”. She said his engagement with members, staff and partner organisations had been remarkable and praised his commitment to the people profession.
“While the organisation prepares for a change in leadership, our vision remains clear — to enable people professionals to be at the heart of business helping organisations and their people adapt and thrive,” she said.
Continued advocacy
Cheese, a former Accenture executive, joined the CIPD in 2012 and quickly set about strengthening its position as a leading voice on workforce strategy, wellbeing and people policy. Under his leadership, the organisation expanded its research programme and worked closely with employers to shape HR development internationally.
He also championed a more strategic role for HR professionals and promoted greater inclusion and wellbeing across the workplace. The CIPD said his retirement would allow time for a smooth transition and confirmed he would remain in post until the end of June 2026.
The organisation thanked him for his “tireless commitment” and said it looked forward to maintaining ties in his future roles.
