Senior HR professionals have hailed the appointment of Linda Holbeche as research and policy director at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) as “an excellent choice”.
She effectively replaces Duncan Brown at the CIPD as number two to director-general Geoff Armstrong. Holbeche is currently director of leadership and consultancy at the Work Foundation think-tank and will start her new role in June.
David Fairhurst, chief people officer at fast food chain McDonald’s, said Holbeche had an “engaging and inspiring” style. “It’s a critical role that will heavily influence HR professionals. Linda has a very grounded understanding of what the real issues are.”
Graham White, head of HR at Surrey County Council, said Holbeche would bring a “wealth of knowledge and experience to the role”. He said: “I think Linda is an excellent choice. Her strengths will be well used at the CIPD,” he said.
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Angela O’Connor, the National Policing Improvement Agency’s chief people officer, said: “Duncan is a hard act to follow, but Linda is a well-respected academic. She will do a fantastic job.”
Holbeche was previously director of research and strategy at Roffey Park Institute for 12 years. She will be responsible for leading the CIPD’s management research programme and will be the institute’s spokeswoman.
