Jessica O'ConnorThe CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, has appointed Professor Christopher Bones as chair of the Board of Trustees, following approval by the CIPD Council.
Bones takes over as chair from Valerie Hughes D’Aeth who has held the role since 2021.
Bones has held senior HR leader roles in Diageo and Cadbury and in 2002 he became a chartered fellow of the CIPD.
In 2004 he was appointed dean of Henley Business School, becoming the first non-academic leader of the school.
As chair, Bones will lead the CIPD’s Board of Trustees in overseeing the strategic direction of the CIPD.
He said: “I am honoured to take on the role of CIPD Chair and look forward to working alongside the CEO Peter Cheese and his team and my fellow trustees, as well as the CIPD President Chloe Smith, to propel the CIPD forward.
“This is an incredibly interesting time for the profession, with many challenges but also opportunities to make a real difference to organisations and to people, championing better work and working lives.
“Building the confidence and the capabilities of people professionals to work at the heart of business strategy, but also to understand and support the needs of the workforce has never been more important.
He added: “In particular, shaping the future of work and how AI can be used responsibly and ethically, understanding it’s impact on skills and roles, and helping organisations and their people to adapt and grow is an increasingly important focus for the CIPD.
“I am looking forward to working with the team to advance the CIPD through this new and important era of work, and how it responds to these changes and supporting and enabling the professionalisation of the people profession.”
Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Chris to his role as Chair, as well as thanking Valerie for her great contribution and leadership of the Board during her time.
“Chris’s leadership and extensive experience will be instrumental in helping the CIPD advance through this decisive moment for business and society as technology continues to redefine working lives and the nature of work itself. He brings extensive commercial, entrepreneurial and academic experience to the role and we look forward to working closely with him and our trustees to ensure the CIPD continues to evolve and respond to our members needs and to support the wider profession.”
Valerie Hughes D’Aeth, outgoing CIPD Chair, said: “As I move on from my role as Chair, I want to thank everyone for the wonderful support I have been given over the last few years. It has been a real privilege to Chair the organisation and something I would never have imagined when I first became a CIPD member over 40 years ago.
“Although I am stepping down to spend more time with my family, I will continue to be passionate about our profession and am pleased to be leaving the organisation in such great hands. I wish all of the CIPD, our associates, volunteers, and our CIPD members the very best.”
Chloe Smith, CIPD President said: “We are immensely grateful to Valerie for her leadership and commitment as Chair since 2021.
“Her strategic insight and genuine passion for our mission has played a vital role in shaping the direction for our organisation and ensuring we are ready to take on the challenges of a world of work that is rapidly changing.
“We thank her for her service to the CIPD, and we will continue to value her contribution as a Companion and leader within our community and the profession.”
