Brian Chernett
All things change, some quickly and some over much longer times. At the end of December, I hand over The Academy for Chief Executives to new owners and move on to new ventures myself. I am taking the opportunity to thank each and every one of my members, chairmen and supporters for their support and encouragement since the creation of the Academy some 14 years ago.
This has not been a hasty decision and I am certain that under the new leadership team led by Andrew Morris, the Academy will continue to develop and provide inspiration not only to all of our current members, but also to scores of business leaders who are yet to join us. I really believe that during these changing times our members will have a wonderful opportunity to develop their businesses, their profits and their people.
I will be continuing to support the Academy by developing my own group, ACE 2, as well as supporting the international development of our organisation. I will also be launching a charity aimed at supporting leaders of the ‘not for profit’ sector to enable them to benefit from our proven leadership development process.
Andrew Morris
“My journey to become Leader of the Academy has been an uncharacteristically patient one. Starting as a member in the early 1990’s, followed by a number of negotiations with Brian over the next 10 years, then becoming Chairman of ACE 1 almost two years ago, finally concluding a deal in September, and taking control this January. I’ll try to inject more pace and progress with this next phase in the Academy’s life!
I feel very supported by the new team of shareholders – Simon Lester, Alan Dean, Phil Jesson, Peter Hills, Robi Bernberg and Vince Tickel – who complement each other so well and provide such valuable skills and experience. Following the conference in September, and presentation of our plans, thank you for your feedback and we will be publishing our new ‘Chairman’s Charter’ in January.
Brian has been a real star during the potentially difficult handover period, giving wise advice and being his usual flexible self. Our affection for him will, I’m sure, increase, as he steps out of the day to day running of the Academy, to focus on getting younger and bringing his powerful learning to a new audience. I will be a very different type of Leader but will honour the founding principles and ethos of the organisation he has built.
I look forward to getting to know you better in 2011.”
We both take this opportunity of wishing you all a great Christmas and a successful 2011.