Nigel Fine retires after 13 years at IET helm

Nigel Fine, Chief Executive and Secretary (CES) of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) will step down from his position today, Thursday 30 June 2022, after announcing his plans to retire earlier this year.

Nigel has been at the helm of Europe’s largest professional engineering institution since 2009.  Under his leadership, the IET has been established as a world-leading membership and learned society, driving forward its charitable purpose to engineer a better world and growing a worldwide membership of 155,000 people across 148 countries.

In the interim, Ed Almond, currently the IET’s Director of Finance and Planning, will succeed Nigel as CES from Friday 1 July 2022, whilst an international search for a permanent successor continues. Ed, who has been with the organisation for 21 years, has extensive knowledge of the workings of the IET and is passionate about its purpose.

Reflecting on his decision to retire, Nigel says: “The IET is a fantastic organisation to work for and is uniquely placed to bring engineering expertise together from across the world to deliver world class engineering solutions. I feel very privileged and honoured to have been Chief Executive, and the time is now right for me to pass on the leadership baton.

“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.

“There is still much more to do and as an IET Fellow I very much look forward to supporting the IET as it continues to progress this important work as we deliver on our vision to engineer a better world.”

Sir Julian Young, IET President, said: “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.

“And this dedication is mirrored in the IET’s progression as a membership organisation and our international offer. During Nigel’s tenure we have seen two women presidents and the first woman Chair of the IET Council. He has led the refurbishment of the UK’s London and Stevenage sites, reengineered our brand to reflect a modern, relevant and inclusive IET and celebrated our 150th anniversary whilst steering the organisation through a global pandemic.

“It is no mean feat and he 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.”

To read more reflections from Nigel Fine on his time as CES, download the latest edition of Member News via the IET’s website.