The Board of The Institute of Leadership & Management has appointed John Mark Williams as the organisation’s new chief executive. John takes over from Phil James, who has led The Institute since its demerger from the City & Guilds Group in 2016.

Institute Chairman Professor Dr Andrew Sharman said: “We’re delighted to appoint John as The Institute’s new CEO. His superb track record of leadership in the sector uniquely positions him to lead The Institute into a new era. John has an authentic connection to The Institute’s mission to inspire great leadership everywhere and understands that post Covid-19 it will be our unique, world-class leadership development offer that will enable leaders and managers to rebuild collaborative, agile, socially conscious and future-ready organisations. I am looking forward to an exciting future for The Institute, and all its stakeholders, with John.”

John Mark Williams is currently the CEO at Agile Business Consortium, who are the creators of the AgilePM handbook and the source for AgilePM®, the world’s leading certification in agile project management. He is also CEO and founder of the strategic advisory and leadership development business Gosforth & Co. Previously, John has held leadership positions with ACCA UK, the global body for professional accountants, Santander UK, Gateway to London, Newcastle University and UK Trade and Investment.

John Mark Williams said: “We live in extraordinary times. Rarely in recent generations have we seen such a requirement for sound leadership across the whole of society and the economy. Great leadership and management are the foundations for success in every organisation, and I feel privileged to join The Institute at a moment when it can make a real and lasting difference to how we shape the future of work.”

John will take up his new role on 1 September following the planned departure of Phil James. Speaking of his time at The Institute, Phil said: “It has been an enormous privilege to have worked alongside a fabulous team at The Institute of Leadership & Management over the last few years and to have been inspired by so many members, associates and partners who share my passion for the difference that better management practice can make to people’s lives.”

Professor Dr Andrew Sharman added: “The Board and I are grateful to Phil James for his leadership of The Institute over the last four years and wish him the very best in the next chapter of his career.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

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