The Institution of Engineering & Technology’s chief executive and secretary Nigel Fine stepped down from his position at the end of June, after announcing his plans to retire earlier this year.
Mr Fine spent 13 years at the helm of the organisation, helping to grow its worldwide membership to 155,000 people across 148 countries. He said he felt “privileged and honoured” to have led the Institution which he described as “uniquely placed to bring engineering expertise together from across the world to deliver world-class engineering solutions”.
He added: “I have been supported throughout the last 13 years by a very dedicated network of volunteers across the world and an incredibly professional and passionate international staff team. Together we have driven our mission to inspire, inform and influence the engineering and technology community, as well as wider society, for the benefit of advancing the world around us.
“I’m also incredibly proud to see the thousands of young people we have supported through our programmes and awards go on to have fulfilling engineering and technology careers. Collectively we’ve made a huge difference to how engineering is perceived, transforming it to be more inclusive, diverse and an accessible career choice for all.”
In the interim, Ed Almond, currently the IET’s Director of Finance and Planning, will succeed Nigel as chief executive and secretary, while an international search for a permanent successor continues. Mr Almond, who has been with the organisation for 21 years, has extensive knowledge of the workings of the IET.
IET President Sir Julian Young commented: “Nigel is a committed and effective advocate for engineering and its importance to society. With a significant shortfall of engineering skills in the UK, he has focussed his efforts on advancing the profession as a collaborative leader and at a personal level by raising awareness and encouraging young people to choose this rewarding and essential career.
“The influence and engagement of the IET has grown over the last decade during his leadership, providing more engineers with support, knowledge and communities to develop and innovate.
He has championed inclusivity and steered the IET as an Institution to welcome a diverse membership. Moreover, he has introduced successful new programmes to help keep a high-quality pipeline of talent flowing by inspiring young people to pursue STEM subjects.”
He added that Mr Fine “leaves a fantastic legacy behind for us to build on”.
“I wish Nigel all the best for his retirement, thank him for his commitment and leadership, and I trust he will watch on as we deliver his ambitions for the next 10 years and beyond.”