Linda Ford appointed Chief Executive Officer of CGIUKI

The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Linda Ford as its new Chief Executive Officer. Linda will take up the role in late September 2025, succeeding current CEO Sara Drake, who has led the Institute since 2019.

Linda joins CGIUKI with a distinguished track record of leadership, membership growth and transformation across the professional and regulatory landscape. She was most recently Chief Executive Officer and Registrar of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX), where she spearheaded major programmes of modernisation, expanded access to legal qualifications, and secured wide-reaching policy, regulatory and legislative reform.

Over a 15-year leadership career, Linda has demonstrated her commitment to professional excellence, public interest outcomes and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to succeed. She brings deep experience in governance, professional qualifications, stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships and digital transformation.

Charles Brown FCG, President and Chair of the Board at CGIUKI, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Linda Ford to CGIUKI. Linda brings an exceptional blend of insight, transformational leadership and strategic clarity to the role. Her career reflects a deep commitment to professional standards, inclusion and innovation. These are all vital to CGIUKI’s next phase of growth. I would also like to thank Sara Drake for her outstanding service and excellent leadership over the past six years.”

Linda Ford said:

“I am honoured to join CGIUKI at such a pivotal moment. Organisations and professionals are navigating complex challenges, from the accelerating impact of AI and growing cyber risks to rising demands for transparency and the instability affecting global governance. The Institute plays a vital leadership role in supporting good governance and promoting trusted professionals across sectors and jurisdictions. I look forward to building on its strong foundations. I will work closely with members, staff and stakeholders to drive relevance, growth and impact.”