Linda Ford to lead Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland from 2025, steering innovation amid rising governance challenges
The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI) has announced the appointment of Linda Ford as its new chief executive, effective from September 2025. This leadership change marks a significant transition for the Institute, with Ford stepping in to succeed Sara Drake, who has held the position since 2019. Drake’s tenure was noted for strong leadership over six years, during which she guided the Institute through evolving governance challenges.
Linda Ford joins CGIUKI with a robust background in governance and strategic transformation, bringing over 15 years of leadership experience. Most recently, she served as Chief Operating Officer and then Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx). At CILEx, she was instrumental in driving major governance reforms, including modernisation programmes aimed at expanding qualification access and reform. Her leadership helped stabilise the organisation financially by 2016 and launched initiatives such as the 'I am ACILEx' campaign and the 'myCareer' portal, reflecting her commitment to innovation and inclusion in professional development. Prior to her time at CILEx, Ford held senior roles like Head of Education and Standards at the General Optical Council, further underlining her extensive governance expertise across professional bodies.
Ford’s appointment at CGIUKI comes at a pivotal moment for governance professionals, who are facing increasingly complex pressures. She has highlighted challenges such as the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence, mounting cyber risks, and growing demands for transparency amid global governance instability. In a statement, she expressed her commitment to building on the Institute’s “strong foundations” by engaging closely with members, staff, and stakeholders to ensure the organisation remains relevant, drives growth, and maximises its impact across sectors and jurisdictions.
Charles Brown FCG, president and chair of the CGIUKI board, praised Ford’s “exceptional blend of insight, transformational leadership and strategic clarity” and emphasised her alignment with CGIUKI’s values, such as professional standards, inclusion, and innovation. Brown also extended gratitude to Sara Drake for her “outstanding service and excellent leadership” during her tenure.
Founded in 1891 and formerly known as the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA), the Chartered Governance Institute is a recognised professional body offering qualifications, such as Fellow (FCG/FCIS) and Associate (ACG/ACIS), in governance and company secretarial practices. It operates across common law jurisdictions and supports governance professionals through training and bespoke services tailored for boards across various sectors. CGIUKI is governed by a board comprising elected members, including professionals with diverse expertise who steer its strategic priorities and oversee the delivery of its objectives.
Beyond her professional roles, Linda Ford also serves as a non-executive director for The Alliance Schools Trust in Milton Keynes. Her broader experience spans sectors such as professional services, criminal justice, education, and public health. Notably, Ford is an advocate for social mobility, focusing on tackling barriers related to social and economic disadvantage to foster greater access to education and professional opportunities.
Ford’s leadership at CGIUKI is expected to steer the Institute through a period of enhanced growth and innovation, strengthening its role as a leader in governance excellence at a time when professional standards and governance structures are under rapid transformation globally.