The Rt Hon Chloe Smith has been appointed the new president of the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development.
With a significant ministerial career and uniquely both as a former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Chloe has extensive experience and interest in the world of work, people and technology. While serving as Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work she was a custodian of the Equality Act and led the legislation of the British Sign Language Act.
Together with her experience as a management consultant before entering parliament, she engages in technological change, workforce transformation and skills, global economics, regulation, risk and governance, and was named the UK’s most influential person in technology in 2023.
After leaving parliament in May 2024, Chloe returned to the private sector supporting start-ups and larger organisations on increasing innovation, as well as being a trustee of the deafness charity RNID and the cancer charity Big C.
In her new role as CIPD president, Chloe will act as an advocate and ambassador for the CIPD and the wider people profession, and support connections across business, policy, and academia.
Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, 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.”
The Rt Hon Chloe 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.”
The Rt Hon Chloe Smith replaces outgoing president, Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE, who the CIPD sincerely thanks for her support over the past three years, and as a distinguished business leader and a champion of equality, diversity and inclusion, has made an important contribution to the profession and wider world of work.
