The CIPD announces the retirement of chief executive Peter Cheese
After 14 years of dedicated service, Peter Cheese will be retiring from the role at the end of June 2026, giving time to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.
After 14 years of dedicated service, Peter Cheese will be retiring from the role at the end of June 2026, giving time to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.
Today, at our annual conference, chief executive of the CIPD, Peter Cheese, announced that he will be retiring from the role in June 2026, after 14 years at the helm.
Peter has led the CIPD through a period of major transformation, and together we have been able to strengthen our voice of influence across the profession, particularly in areas of policy, research and social impact. Under his leadership, membership has grown from around 120,000 to 165,000, and we now count record numbers of students studying CIPD qualifications. We have also been able to grow our recognition and reputation internationally, setting the standards for the profession, and working with leading global employers to help them develop the capabilities and professionalism of their HR teams.
With the CIPD in a strong position, and having established solid foundations for further growth, Peter has decided now is the right time to step back from his leadership role, so that he can spend more time with his family and pursue other interests. As a champion of the profession, Peter hopes to continue engaging with the profession through non-executive roles during his retirement, and by speaking and writing on the many issues shaping the future of business.
After what will be 14 years leading the CIPD, I’ve decided the time is right to retire and hand over to a new leader. It has been a great privilege to serve the profession and advocate for what we do in so many different forums and contexts. Working with an exceptional team as well as our many volunteers, associates and partners, I’m proud of the many changes we have navigated and what we have accomplished. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition to a successor and seeing the CIPD and the profession thrive in the years to come.
Through non-executive roles and continuing with some speaking and writing, I want to continue to advocate for the profession and a positive future of work in times of significant change.
The CIPD Board will now begin recruiting for a new chief executive to lead the organisation into the next phase of its journey, as the profession adapts to the transformations and innovations shaping the future of work, particularly those posed by AI and automation.
The impact of Peter’s leadership cannot be overstated. On behalf of the Board and our members, we thank him for his dedication and the transformation he has led. As we enter a new era shaped by automation and AI, the CIPD is well placed to continue supporting the profession to build its confidence and capability for the future, and in enabling businesses and their workforces everywhere to adapt and benefit in the new world of work.
Peter has been an outstanding leader and champion of our profession. His engagement and commitment to the profession, the CIPD members, and the many partners and organisations we work with has been remarkable, and it has been a great pleasure to work with him. While the organisation prepares for a change in leadership, our vision remains clear — to enable people professionals to be at the heart of business helping organisations and their people adapt and thrive.
We congratulate Peter for his 14 years of service, and we would like to thank him for his tireless commitment to the organisation, its members, its trustees, its staff, and the whole profession. We wish him all the best for his next chapter, and we look forward to staying in touch.
