CMI chief executive recognised for outstanding leadership

20 May 2016 -

Ann Francke received the ‘Louis Armstrong’ award for outstanding leadership of a UK professional body’ at the 2016 MemCom Awards

CMI chief executive Ann Francke has been recognised for her ‘Outstanding Leadership’ of a UK professional body at the 2016 MemCom awards, which honour achievements in the professional and membership organisation sector.

The judging panel, comprising chief executives of professional bodies, voted for Francke for turning around the performance of CMI during her stewardship.

Sean Tompkins, chief executive of RICS, and chair of the judging panel told the audience: “In Ann’s four years as chief executive, CMI has developed and executed a turnaround strategy after five years of decline. Staff were engaged through a ‘rainbow’ strategy and given a real sense of ownership behind a mission of better led and managed organisations.

CMI “has advanced under her leadership and is having an impact on not just the profession but also on the economy and society at large.

“Membership has grown, financial reserves have built up and the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship has been created – all part of an impressive performance. When taken with influence with government on issues such as gender pay equality, this is an all-round leadership exemplar.”

Receiving the “Louis Armstrong” award (named after the former RICS CEO), Ann Francke reiterated the value of professional and Chartered membership bodies to the economy and society, and encouraged professional bodies to be proud of their achievements and to continue to work in partnership with one another.

“I’m deeply honoured to receive this award and wish to thank the judges, my team and my Board for their support. Our progress in promoting excellence and professionalism in management and leadership owes much to our partnerships with universities, education providers, government, other professional bodies and of course our members.

“We still have much to do but it's great to share this recognition with all of them.”

Other outstanding chief executives nominated for this prestigious award included: Stephen Tetlow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers; David Kerr of the Insolvency Practitioners Association; James Sutton from the British Institute of Facilities Management; Martin Powell, Institution of Structural Engineers; Trudi Elliott, Royal Town Planning Institute.

Francke has served as CMI’s chief executive since June 2012, and is also the author of Financial Times Guide to Management: How to Make a Difference and Get Results. She was named one of the 100 Women to Watch in Cranfield University’s Female FTSE Board Report 2015 and in the same year she was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration by UWE Bristol.