At FIA’s December Board meeting, Chief Executive Officer Rob Edwards informed Directors of his intention to step down from his role in June 2018.

In sharing his intentions with a significant notice period, Edwards enables FIA to move through an ordered leadership succession at both Board and Executive level over the next six months.

Several other long-term Directors will be retiring as well. FIA’s new Chair, James Garland, and his Board will then oversee the transition of executive leadership by mid-2018.

Earlier this year, the FIA Board approved a strategic plan through to 2020 which outlines a significant body of work, some of which is already in market. This includes the launch of a new self-regulatory Code, which is of particular significance in 2018, engagement in public and regulatory affairs, together with other initiatives including membership structures and professional identity which will form a major part of FIA’s agenda in 2018.

The FIA Board said that it is critical to FIA’s work that it manages a planned and progressive approach to leadership changes throughout 2018.

“I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Rob’s leadership of FIA over the past six years. He has lead FIA through a period of significant growth and established a strong financial platform the organisation can utilise in response to member and sector needs,” said Nigel Harris, the chair of the board of directors.

“I am sure members will join me in congratulating Rob for his work on a number of fronts on behalf of the fundraising sector, and wish him well for the future.”