The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has appointed Lisa Pearl as People and Change Director, a strategic move aimed at accelerating the Institute’s internal modernisation and AI-integration capabilities. Pearl, a Chartered Fellow of the Institute since 2017, joins the executive leadership team in February 2026, bringing three decades of cross-sector HR expertise to the Secretariat.
Strategic Alignment and AI Evolution
The appointment comes at a critical juncture for the CIPD as it navigates the dual challenges of Digital Innovation and shifting professional standards. Pearl’s remit will focus on building the internal culture and “AI-enabled skills” necessary to maintain the Institute’s position as a modern, member-focused professional body. Her previous experience, which includes executive roles at Bestway Healthcare, Anchor, and the exam board AQA, suggests a robust background in high-stakes Governance and transformational change within complex organisational structures.
Pearl’s transition from a recent interim role at DFS to a permanent executive position at the CIPD underscores a broader trend within the Membership Sector: the recruitment of seasoned practitioners from the commercial world to drive Stakeholder ROI within professional associations.
Leadership Perspectives
CIPD Chief Executive Peter Cheese highlighted the strategic weight of the role within the broader executive framework:
“We’re delighted to welcome Lisa to the CIPD. She brings a wealth of HR and leadership experience and will be a key part of the executive leadership team. She will play a critical role in driving performance to deliver for all our members, and in shaping our capabilities and culture as we respond to the many changes impacting the profession and the wider world of work.”
Pearl, reflecting on her long-standing affiliation with the body, emphasised the member-centric nature of her new mandate:
“Having been a proud member of the CIPD throughout my HR career, I’m thrilled to join the organisation and contribute to growing and serving our membership. I’m looking forward to leading the people and change function in building the culture, capabilities and AI-enabled skills our people need to address the challenges facing the profession, and evolve as a modern, member-focused professional body.”
