Peter Cheese, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), has announced his retirement from the role in June 2026.
He has been head of the HR body for 14 years, overseeing it during a period where the profession gained greater scrutiny but also greater prominence.
According to the CIPD, membership has grown from around 120,000 to 165,000 since he took the top job, and there are record numbers of students now studying CIPD qualifications.
Cheese announced his retirement at the organisation’s annual conference and exhibition, taking place in Manchester this week.
He said: “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’s board will now begin the search for a new chief executive, it said.
Professor Chris Bones, chair of the board, added that the impact of Cheese’s leadership “cannot be overstated”.
“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.”
Chloe Smith, who was appointed president of the CIPD earlier this year, called him “an outstanding leader and champion of our profession”.
“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,” Smith said.
