CEO Announcement | News

We are pleased to announce that Dr Neil Bentley-Gockmann OBE will be taking up the role of Chief Executive of WIG at the end of May.

Neil joins after seven years as CEO of WorldSkills UK, the independent charity which works with employers, education and governments using international best practice to raise standards in apprenticeships and technical education so more young people and employers succeed.

Neil joins at a time of unparalleled opportunity for WIG, with a membership of over 250 organisations from across the sectors and activities which attract 8,000 people to over 130 WIG events and leadership programmes a year.

Neil said:

“I am delighted and excited about becoming the new CEO. I firmly believe that WIG’s convening power to improve the nature of cross-sectoral understanding is needed now, more than ever. No one sector has a monopoly on wisdom, expertise or values on how to tackle the significant and complex challenges we now face as a country. The future of our society, economy and environment will depend on all sectors working better together.

“I believe WIG is in a powerful position to foster the conditions needed to create better outcomes for the greater public good, helping create shared purpose by deepening understanding through dialogue and leadership development. I look forward to working with the Board, the team, members and partners to advance WIG’s important mission.” 

Neil was a trustee of WIG before stepping down from the board in November to apply for the executive role. He was also the former CEO of OUTstanding, a business network for LGBT leaders and their allies, a former deputy chair of Stonewall, the LGBT equality charity, and served on the Council of Warwick University. He holds a PhD in race equality in the workplace and was awarded an OBE for services to diversity and inclusion in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List.

WIG chair Phil Thomson said:

“We are delighted Neil will be the next CEO of WIG. He brings tremendous experience having been the leader of WorldSkills UK and having worked in both public and private sectors. As a former Board member of WIG, he also brings deep understanding of the charity and its purpose. We look forward to his contribution as CEO.”

Neil takes the WIG reins from Interim Chief Executive Vicky Browning OBE on 30 May.

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