It has been announced the Duke of Edinburgh officially handed over the patronage of The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) to the Countess of Wessex.
The duke took on the role of patron of the organisation, which serves as the professional body for management and leadership, in 1992. However, he was involved with the CMI as an Honorary Fellow since 1969, making 2019 his 50th year of service to the Institute.
“During The Duke of Edinburgh’s tenure as Patron, the CMI has led the debate on the future of management and leadership, the gender pay gap, employee wellbeing and engagement, as well as talent management and diversity,” said the organisation in a press release announcing the countess as their new patron.
Last night, the Countess attended the CMI’s annual President’s Dinner at Kensington Palace, “celebrating the brilliant individuals championing the UK’s management profession as well as raising a toast to the next generation of managers and leaders,” according to the organisation’s Twitter account.
The Countess of Wessex delivered remarks at the event – her first official appearance as patron – and awards were given out to honour outstanding achievements of UK managers from across various sectors of business.
On the appointment of their new patron Bruce Carnegie-Brown, President of The Chartered Management Institute, said:
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank The Duke of Edinburgh for his fifty years’ service to The Chartered Management Institute, both as an Honorary Fellow and as Royal Patron. During that time, with The Duke’s support, we have seen incredible progress towards increasing the number and standard of professionally qualified managers and leaders.
I warmly welcome The Countess of Wessex as The Duke’s successor and look forward to continuing to champion important causes for managers and leaders within UK industry, under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness.”
The Countess of Wessex speaks at the 2019 CMI President’s Dinner. Photo: CMI
Ann Francke, CMI’s chief executive, added: “The Countess is a tireless supporter of UK business and workplace diversity, and I am honoured that she will become the CMI’s new Royal Patron. With The Countess’s support we will continue our efforts to inspire UK managers to become better managers, particularly when it comes to the advancement of inclusive leadership.”
The Duke of Edinburgh retired from royal duty in 2017, but still serves as a patron, president or member for around 800 organisations.
