The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development has named The Rt Hon Chloe Smith its new President. Smith, who was formerly Secretary of State for Work and Pensions succeeds Baroness Ruby McGregor Smith CBE.
Smith has extensive experience in technology, workforce transformation and governance. She also comes from a background of government and business. She also served during her ministerial tenure as Secretary of state for Science, Innovation and Technology and Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work. She was responsible for the Equality Act, and the introduction of the British Sign Language Act in these roles.
Smith was a management consultant before entering politics. She focused on global economics, risk and regulation. She returned to the private industry in May 2024 after leaving Parliament. She advised start-ups as well as larger companies on innovation. She is a trustee for the deafness charities RNID and Big C.
Supporting HR Professionals
Smith, as CIPD President, will serve as an ambassador to the HR profession and its wider organisation, promoting the role of the HR profession in business, politics, and academia.
Peter Cheese, the chief executive of CIPD, welcomed this appointment. He said: “Chloe’s extensive experience and connections are a huge asset for the CIPD. She is a senior leader of extraordinary quality. Her passion for technology and people aligns with CIPD goals to help individuals and organisations thrive, and to navigate a rapidly changing world. “We’re thrilled to welcome her as the new President of CIPD.”
Smith stated, “I’m thrilled to be taking on the role as President of the CIPD. I am looking forward to using my experience in government and the private sector to support the CIPD’s mission to promote better work and working life.
It is vital to promote the impact of the people profession across the business, academic and policy communities in the UK at this time of rapid change for workplaces and workers. I am a strong believer in the mission of the people profession, which is gaining strategic importance day by day as talent continues to be at the top of the agenda for business.
Smith succeeds Baroness Ruby McGregor Smith CBE who served as CIPD President for the last three years. The CIPD thanked Smith for her work as a businesswoman and advocate of equality, diversity and inclusion.
