CIRO Chief Executive Fiona Tordoff has announced she will step down from her role following more than a decade of leadership that significantly improved and modernised the organisation and the services it provides its members.
Fiona has achieved substantial growth for the Institution and departs with a great legacy of accomplishments, including securing the Institution’s Royal Charter in 2021. Today, the Institution boasts more than 12,000 members and leads the way in the professional development of railway professionals throughout the world.
CIRO Chair and Network Rail Regional Managing Director Ellie Burrows FCIRO said: “The CIRO Board and I express our gratitude to Fiona for her dedication, skill, and professionalism in guiding CIRO through its transformation from a micro company to what it is today.
“Her efforts have elevated the standing of both the Institution and the profession, steering our team and ensuring our customers are at the heart of everything we do.”
Acting Chief Executive designate Annette Shipley has been working alongside Fiona over the past few months to ensure a smooth transition. She will take up the reigns at the end of March and will oversee the process of appointing a permanent successor.
Fiona said: “I have absolutely no doubt that CIRO will just keep growing in impact and relevance to those it serves. I would like to thank everyone who has worked with the CIRO team for their support over the years, as well as every brave and curious adult learner who has taken part in our programmes all over the world. Your journeys have meant everything to me.
“My vision was to make sure the profession had an association which had a full line up of learning and development programmes, an ability to create qualifications and of course the Royal Charter. I feel that my mission has in that sense been accomplished.
“I will miss the team greatly, and I look forward to staying connected with the Institution through my membership, and seeing the launch of those exciting new products and services later this year!”
Image credit: CIRO
