CBI President and Chair of the Board

About the CBI

We serve as the catalyst between industry and government to drive positive change, speaking for businesses of all sizes and sectors across the whole economy, in every UK region and nation, ensuring sustainable growth for the benefit of society. Our voice represents 170,000 businesses. This includes over 1,100 corporate members, plus nearly 150 trade associations. Our corporate members alone employ over 2.3 million private sector workers.

The CBI is committed to ensuring a safe, supportive and inclusive people centric culture where our people can excel to achieve their full potential and be their best authentic selves in an environment where ethical values and respectful behaviours are at the very heart of who we are in our everyday interactions.

Role summary

The CBI President and Chair of the Board is the Non-Executive leader of the UK’s most influential business organisation, playing a pivotal role in advancing the CBI’s mission to help business create a more prosperous society. As a passionate spokesperson for UK business, the President and Chair of the Board represents the CBI at the highest levels—chairing key governance groups, engaging with senior stakeholders, and speaking at major events.  It is a role in the public eye and requires a business leader of integrity, vision and excellent stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion UK business: Act as an ambassador for the CBI, its members, and the broader UK business community.
• Chair CBI governance committees: Chair the CBI Board, ensuring effective decision-making and strategic oversight and ensure governance structures are effective and aligned with the CBI’s mission.
• Represent the CBI at key events: Speak at high-profile CBI events, dinners, and roundtables across London, the regions, and nations.
• Engage with senior stakeholders: Build and maintain relationships with the UK’s most senior business leaders, government figures, and media representatives.
• Oversee and advise CBI leadership: Giving advice, guidance and challenge to the CBI CEO and Executive Team.
• Support and secure sales: Play an active role in the growth and financial success of the CBI by actively recruiting and helping to retain some of the CBI’s most valued members.

Skills and experience

• Proven leadership: Experience as a CEO and/or Chair in the UK or internationally with a track record of success.
• Board-level expertise: Experience as a Non-Executive Director.
• Strategic business and public affairs insight: Strong understanding of how policy, legislation, and economic trends impact UK businesses. A keen interest in public policy and a broad understanding of the UK business environment.
• High-level relationships: A well-established network of senior business stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication: The ability to effectively articulate CBI messages to diverse audiences, including members, media, policymakers, and the public.

Term, Election Process, and Time Commitment

• Term limits: The CBI President and Chair of the Board typically serve a two-year term, with a possible option for a second, one-year term.
• Process: The CBI Board identifies and shortlists candidates, with a recommendation made to the CBI Chairs’ Committee, which appoints a candidate. This is then ratified at the next CBI AGM where all CBI members are eligible to vote.
• Time Commitment: The role typically requires around 1 – 2 days per week with more active commitments required during the CBI’s most active periods in the year.

Diversity and Inclusion

• At the CBI, we are committed to attracting diverse talent that represents the society we live in.   We encourage applications from all, regardless of age, sexuality, socio-economic background, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, or beliefs.
• We are committed to building a culture of belonging and inclusion and this is reflected in our policies, practices, and internal employee-led networks and supported by our executive leadership team

Remuneration: expenses only

Closing date: Friday 27^th June 2025

Contact with a CV and cover letter: [email protected]