Institute for Employment Studies announces Kathy Poole as new Chair

Press Releases

1 Oct 2019

IES is pleased to announce that Kathy Poole, Director of People at the Wellcome Trust, has been appointed as Chair of its Board of Trustees.  Kathy has been a Board member at IES since 2017, and has held senior HR roles in a range of organisations including British Airways and Channel 4.  Kathy will replace David Smith, who is stepping down after seven years as Chair of IES.

Welcoming the appointment, Institute Director Tony Wilson said:

“I am delighted that Kathy has agreed to Chair the Institute.  Kathy combines real expertise in employment and HR with a clear idea of how IES can make a difference to policy and practice. I’ve really enjoyed working with Kathy in my first year here, and am looking forward to working with her and the Board in the years ahead.  I would also like to thank David Smith for his great service to IES over more than a decade on the Board, and for all of the support and guidance that he has given me over the last year.”

Kathy Poole, new IES Chair, said:

“IES has a long and proud track record in employment research and consultancy. I am delighted to be taking over as Chair and would also like to add my thanks to David who has done an excellent job. It is a great privilege to be working with Tony and the team at IES. We are all operating at a time of unprecedented change and uncertainty.  The mission of IES has never been more important, relevant and needed. I am looking forward to working with the team to deliver lasting and sustainable change in employment policy and HR practice.”

David Smith, outgoing IES Chair, said:

“It has been my pleasure and privilege to work with IES for the past fifteen years. The Institute is a gold standard for evidence based research and insights into employment issues. I am delighted to be handing the baton to Kathy as incoming Chair. I am sure she will prove to be an asset to Tony as Director and to the Board of IES.”

ENDS

About the Institute for Employment Studies (IES)

The Institute for Employment Studies is a leading independent, not-for-profit centre for research and evidence-based consultancy on employment, the labour market and HR policy and practice.

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Interviews and further information

Please contact Steve O’Rourke, IES Senior Communications Officer on: +44 (0)1273 763 414 or steve.orourke@employment-studies.co.uk