People 1st chief exec Brian Wisdom to stand down
The chief executive of People 1st, Brian Wisdom, has announced he will step down at the end of year.
He will stay on as an ambassador two days a week, and also look into non-executive directorships. Current chief operation officer Simon Tarr will take over as interim managing director.
Wisdom, who was appointed the chair of the Federation for Industry Sector Skills and Standards last year, said he was proud of what People 1st had achieved, but that it was time to move on and let the skills and development charity develop further.
He highlighted its achievements in boosting the uptake of apprenticeships within the hospitality sector, in championing women in business, and helping improve the UK's "visitor welcome" rating.
He said: "With such great achievements and the success we've had with improving the image and professionalism of our industries, it's the right time to move on."
People 1st chairman, David Fairhurst, praised Wisdom as a great leader across the company (and the industry as a whole), who had presided over its growth and success.
"During his time as CEO, Brian has always taken advantage of every opportunity available, expanding the portfolio of industries we work across from hospitality, leisure, travel, and tourism to include both passenger transport and retail in the past few years.
"His vision and determination have ensured that, as he steps aside, he will hand over an organisation that is well prepared for its next phase of growth. Naturally we respect his decision to move on from his position as CEO, however we're looking forward to continuing to work with him in his role as an ambassador for People 1st."
People 1st focuses on providing skills development and training in its relevant sectors, including hospitality, passenger transport, travel, tourism, and retail industries, and offers qualifications in management, leadership, customer service and craft skills.
Brian Wisdom named chair of the Federation for Industry Sector Skills and Standards >>
