The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has named Chloe Smith as its new president, entrusting her with the role of advocate and ambassador for the professional body and the wider people profession.

Smith – who once served as UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions as well as Minister for Science, Innovation, and Technology – succeeds Ruby McGregor-Smith, who held the role at CIPD for three years.

With a career spanning politics, consulting, and advocacy, Smith brings a wealth of experience to the CIPD. Having played a pivotal role in employment policy, workforce transformation, and technological innovation, she is no stranger to navigating complex labour market dynamics.

Smith was named the UK’s most influential person in technology in 2023, a testament to her expertise in regulatory affairs, governance, and digital transformation.

Her past ministerial roles include overseeing the Equality Act and spearheading the British Sign Language Act, demonstrating her commitment to workplace inclusivity.

More recently, she has worked with startups and multinational organisations to drive innovation and is a trustee for the deafness charity RNID and the cancer charity Big C.

Now at the helm of the CIPD presidency, Smith aims to strengthen connections across business, policy, and academia, ensuring that the people profession remains at the forefront of workplace evolution.

Also Read: CIPD: People professionals are pivotal in shaping the future of work in APAC

Smith’s vision for the future of work

Expressing enthusiasm for her new role, Smith stated: “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.”

Smith also emphasised the growing strategic importance of the people profession, adding: “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.”

Also Read: Burntout HR professionals in Singapore and Malaysia need job mobility, says CIPD

Welcoming a transformational leader

Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, welcomed Smith’s appointment, highlighting her ability to drive positive change.

“Chloe is an extraordinary senior leader whose extensive experience and connections will be a great asset to the CIPD,” Cheese said.

“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’s appointment comes at a time of rapid workplace transformation, with businesses grappling with the implications of artificial intelligence, shifting employment patterns, and evolving workforce expectations.

As president, she will focus on key priorities, including the responsible adoption of AI, expanding access to meaningful employment, and advocating for the value of the people profession in shaping the future of work.

With her blend of policy expertise, leadership in technology, and deep-rooted commitment to better work and working lives, Smith is set to steer the CIPD’s mission forward, ensuring that the people profession remains not just relevant but indispensable in a world of constant change.

The CIPD also thanked McGregor-Smith for her tenure, during which she championed diversity, inclusion, and the strategic role of HR in business success.