IOSH’s chief executive, Rob Strange OBE, has announced he is to step down from the post in May next year.
After almost 12 years at the helm of the Institution Rob has decided it is time to make way for the next generation of inspirational leadership for what has become, under his direction, the largest health and safety membership body in the world.
Rob, a chartered director, took over the post from John Barrell OBE in 2001, having originally joined the Institution in 1997 as deputy chief executive. In an interview with SHP at the time, he said his aims for the Institution – which had then around 24,000 members – included “attaining a royal charter, growing on an international scale and expanding media presence”.
All of these objectives, and many more besides, were realised during his tenure as chief executive, and his excellent work and contribution to health and safety were recognised in 2008, when Rob was awarded the OBE. Speaking to SHP today, Rob said: “I’ve been very fortunate that, during my leadership, IOSH has seen tremendous growth. I’d like to pay tribute to all those excellent staff who shared this period of success with me, and to those IOSH members who have worked with me, whether as presidents, fellow trustees, Council and committee members, or the many volunteers within our successful and growing networks.
“I’m proud of the progress the Institution has made, particularly the achievement of the Royal Charter, but also many other significant successes. Doing this job has been a huge privilege and my friendships and business relationships, inside and outside of the Institution, all over the world, have brought great pleasure and satisfaction.”
Rob will be leaving IOSH on 31 May 2013, and will be pursuing other business interests. In the meantime, he continues as chief executive and the Board of Trustees will be commencing a recruitment exercise to find his replacement.
