The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has named Neil Carberry as its next chief executive, as the organisation prepares for a leadership transition later this year.
He will take up the role on 28 September 2026, following the planned departure of long-serving chief executive Peter Cheese, who will step down at the end of June after 14 years in the position.
The appointment, announced on Thursday, comes at a time when employers are navigating rapid changes driven by artificial intelligence, evolving skills demands and shifting expectations around work.
The CIPD said Carberry would lead the organisation into its next phase as the role of HR continues to expand in response to technological and economic change.
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Carberry joins from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, where he has served as chief executive since 2018, representing recruitment firms and shaping labour market policy. He previously led work on employment, skills and industrial relations at the Confederation of British Industry and has held several public roles, including serving on the council of Acas and as a member of the Low Pay Commission.
He was awarded an OBE in 2025 for services to business and the economy.
Leadership change comes at pivotal moment for HR
Professor Chris Bones, chair of the CIPD, said the appointment reflected the scale of change facing organisations and the people profession, as the workplace was entering a period of transformation driven by technology and artificial intelligence.
“We are entering a new era of work. Technology, and particularly AI, is driving the most significant transformation in work since the industrial age. This demands new thinking, new approaches and new leadership to improve organisational productivity and performance through better people management.”
He said Carberry’s experience across business, policy and membership organisations positioned him well to lead the CIPD through this period. “Neil brings a wealth of experience as a CEO in both the HR and membership sectors, alongside deep expertise in public policy and strong relationships across business and government. His insight into the future of work makes him well placed to lead the CIPD into its next chapter.”
Carberry said he saw an opportunity to build on the organisation’s role in supporting employers and HR professionals. “I’m excited by the CIPD’s ability to drive positive change across economies and workplaces. Many of the biggest challenges we face come back to people, productivity and performance, and these will only become more important as job markets evolve with new technology.
“Building on its proud heritage and professional expertise, the CIPD will continue to support people professionals to deliver real impact in their organisations and demonstrate the vital role of effective people practice in driving growth and opportunity.”
Transition period begins ahead of September start
Cheese’s departure marks the end of a period of significant growth for the CIPD, during which its membership expanded and its international presence strengthened.
An interim leadership arrangement will be put in place over the summer, with Caroline Stockmann, a CIPD board member and treasurer, set to serve as interim chief executive until Carberry takes up the role. Stockmann previously led the Association of Corporate Treasurers and has held senior roles across finance and strategy in both commercial and not-for-profit organisations.
The leadership transition comes as HR leaders face growing expectations to drive organisational performance, support workforce wellbeing and respond to the increasing influence of technology on jobs and skills.
The CIPD said the new appointment would help ensure the organisation continues to play a central role in shaping how employers respond to these challenges in the years ahead.
William Furney is a Managing Editor at Black and White Trading Ltd based in Kingston upon Hull, UK. He is a prolific author and contributor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional, with over 127 published posts covering HR, employee engagement, and workplace wellbeing topics. His writing focuses on contemporary employment issues including pension schemes, employee health, financial struggles affecting workers, and broader workplace trends.
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
