The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has appointed The Rt Hon Chloe Smith as its new president. Smith, a former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, succeeds Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE in the role.
With a background in government and business, Smith brings extensive experience in workforce transformation, technology, and governance. During her ministerial career, she also served as Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and was Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work. In these roles, she was responsible for overseeing the Equality Act and introducing the British Sign Language Act.
Before entering politics, Smith worked as a management consultant, focusing on risk, regulation, and global economics. After leaving parliament in May 2024, she returned to the private sector, advising start-ups and larger businesses on innovation. She is also a trustee of the deafness charity RNID and the cancer charity Big C.
Supporting HR Professionals
As CIPD president, Smith will act as an ambassador for the organisation and the wider HR profession, promoting its role in business, policy, and academia.
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Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, welcomed her appointment. He said, “Chloe is an extraordinary senior leader whose extensive experience and connections will be a great asset to the CIPD. Her passion for people and technology aligns with the CIPD’s goals to help individuals, organisations and the people profession thrive and to navigate a fast-changing world. We’re delighted to welcome her as our new President.”
Smith said, “I am thrilled to take on the role of President of the CIPD. I look forward to drawing on my experience at the highest levels of government and in the private sector to help the CIPD champion better work and working lives.
“Promoting the people profession’s impact across the wider business, policy and academic communities in the UK and beyond is crucial at a time of so much change facing workplaces and workforces. I believe very strongly in the people profession’s mission, whose strategic value is rising day by day because talent remains top of the business agenda.”
Smith takes over from Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE, who has served as CIPD president for the past three years. The CIPD thanked her for her contributions as a business leader and advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Alessandra Pacelli is a journalist and author contributing to HRreview, where she covers topics including labour market trends, employment costs, and workplace issues.
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