CBI appoints Chief People Officer to lead cultural change

The CBI has appointed Elizabeth Wallace as Interim Chief People Officer. This is the latest in a series of decisive steps to rebuild trust in the CBI’s culture and purpose and follows the recent appointment of business ethics consultancy Principia Advisory.

Elizabeth sits on the CBI’s Executive Committee and will report directly to the Board on matters of workplace conduct and culture. In her role, Elizabeth will start to implement the 35 recommendations put forward by Fox Williams following their independent investigation into allegations of misconduct. This includes integrating the post of Chief People Officer into the CBI’s culture– consolidating corporate values and employee experience as a matter of strategic importance.

Previously, Elizabeth has held several leadership roles focussing on people strategy, including as Head of Portfolio Talent at Hg and Director of Executive Search at BlackRock.

Rain Newton-Smith, CBI Director General, said:

“I am so pleased to welcome Elizabeth on board as Chief People Officer. Her role will be integral in reforming our people strategy- defining our shared values as we collectively recover from the challenges of recent weeks. With over two decades’ worth of experience, I’m confident that her guidance will accelerate our efforts to effect meaningful change across the CBI.”

Elizabeth Wallace, CBI Chief People Officer, said:

“I am delighted to have the trust of the Director General Rain Newton-Smith and the Board to lead the way on cultural transformation here at the CBI. Making sure the newly created Chief People Officer role becomes a permanent part of the CBI’s DNA will be front of mind, as I work with people across the organisation to strengthen our employee experience offering.”