After leading the training and development company for 12 years, Chris Jones steps down from the role of CEO of City & Guilds, effective from 31st January 2020. 

City and Guilds chair Sir John Armitt appreciated Jones contribution in the company and wished him well for the future, as he announced this movement. 

He said, “After 12 years of leading the City and Guilds Group, Chris Jones has decided to step down and move on from his role as Group CEO. The board of trustees and City and Guilds Group colleagues all wish to thank Chris for the significant contribution he has made to the organisation over the past 12 years and we wish him well for the future.”

Meanwhile, Jones took it on Twitter to announce his resignation, stating that ‘now is the right time for me to step down as CEO.’

While the board looks for a new CEO, Kirstie Donnelly, current managing director of City and Guilds awarding body, will act as interim CEO. Jones mentioned in his Twitter post that he is leaving the group in capable hands with Donnelly. 

It was in 2018 that Jones had joined the international provider of professional and technical education, corporate e-learning and management development programs. Prior to that he worked in Harcourt Education as CEO, where he led the principal business unit in the divestment of Harcourt Education International to Pearson Plc, total transaction value $350 Mn. He has also worked in LexisNexis, where he was responsible for all US based activities of LexisNexis Risk Management group. Jones has not yet revealed which company would he be joining next. 

The onus of spearheading City and Guilds is now on Donnelly, who has been with the group since 2011. Donnelly has to not only lead the company but also plan for a smooth transition when the board completes its search for a new CEO. With the demand for professional and technical education, corporate e-learning and management development programs being more than ever, the company holds a huge potential to grow. However, it has to continuously update its programs and interventions to ensure they are relevant as per the current needs and demands of the respective industries.  

Image Credits: FE Week