The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK (CILT UK) has announced the permanent appointment of Helen Hardy as Chief Executive, concluding a seven-month period of interim leadership. The move signals a prioritisation of organisational stability and continuity as the Institute seeks to modernise its professional standards and bolster its influence within the transport and supply chain remit.
Strategic Continuity and Governance
The transition from interim to permanent status follows what the CILT UK Board described as an extensive recruitment process. For many Chartered Institutes, the “interim-to-permanent” pipeline is increasingly viewed as a de-risking strategy, allowing the Board to evaluate a candidate’s alignment with the existing Secretariat and their ability to execute a Governance Framework before committing to a long-term contract.
During her tenure as Interim CEO, Hardy focused on maintaining momentum across the Institute’s strategic priorities, working specifically on member engagement and volunteer management—two critical pillars for the health of any professional body.
Institutional Endorsement
Anna-Jane Hunter, Chair of the CILT UK Board, emphasised the necessity of authoritative leadership in the current climate:
“Helen has demonstrated clear leadership, strong delivery and a deep understanding of CILT (UK)’s role as the professional body for logistics, transport and supply chain. Her appointment provides continuity and confidence as we continue to strengthen our influence, support our members and champion the profession.”
Responding to the appointment, Hardy outlined her vision for the Institute’s forthcoming development phase:
“It has been a privilege to lead CILT (UK) over the past seven months, and I am delighted to be taking on the role of chief executive on a permanent basis. I am incredibly proud of the work of our team and excited about what we can achieve together. Our focus remains on supporting our members, strengthening professional standards and ensuring CILT (UK) continues to be a strong, authoritative voice for the logistics, transport and supply chain sector.”
