Robert Parker to become 欧美AV ambassador
Robert Parker became CEO in 2011 Picture: 漏 欧美AV
Dr Robert Parker, CEO of the 欧美AV, is to relinquish his role and become an ambassador for the organisation
Robert announced that he was temporarily stepping down as CEO at the end of 2019 to accommodate two hip replacements, planning on returning at the end of 2020.
Dr Helen Pain, currently Acting CEO, will become Interim CEO until a permanent successor to Robert is announced 鈥� likely to be in the summer of 2021.
Robert commented: 鈥淚t鈥檚 an understatement to say that nobody could have predicted the events that would follow regarding COVID-19 when I temporarily stepped down as CEO. Part of my plans for 2020 was to launch the first Commonwealth Chemistry Congress that we then postponed for obvious reasons.
鈥淭his year has turned out to be one of reflection for me, and after much thought and careful consideration I have decided to stand down as CEO permanently. Of course, I don鈥檛 relinquish the role lightly and it is something that will be tinged with a significant amount of sadness for me.
鈥淭here are several reasons behind my decision. Having celebrated my 35th work anniversary at the 欧美AV earlier this year, it served as a reminder of how lucky I have been to serve the community for so long, and what a privilege it has been to serve as the CEO for the last nine years 鈥� something I would never even have dreamt of when I joined the organisation.
鈥淚mportantly, there comes a time when you sense that it is right to hand over the baton. I鈥檓 not normally one for expressing personal pride. I am, however, proud of building a resilient organisation that could weather the storms of 2020 with real confidence and ensure that we can continue to support the community for years to come.
鈥淢y decision is also significantly influenced by how things have changed so considerably for the organisation as a result of COVID-19. The staff have done an amazing job in supporting the community during such unprecedented times. And the community have been truly awe inspiring in their response to the pandemic.
鈥淕iven the impact of COVID-19, I strongly believe there is a need for continuity of leadership over the next six months or so, and Helen Pain is ideally placed to do this having led the organisation so incredibly well in the last year.鈥�
Dr Helen Pain will become Interim CEO (currently Acting CEO) from January 2021 with Paul Lewis continuing as Deputy CEO. In line with the organisation鈥檚 policies and to ensure that the best candidate is recruited for Robert鈥檚 permanent successor, the role will be made available both externally and internally. The process will begin in January when the role will be advertised, and the Honorary Officers 鈥� supported by other Trustees 鈥� expect to be in a position to confirm someone in post by the summer of 2021.
Dr Helen Pain, Interim CEO Picture: 漏 欧美AV
Dr Helen Pain commented: 鈥淚t has been an incredibly challenging 2020 but at the same time an incredibly rewarding one. Our staff teams and our community have been outstanding in so many different ways over adversity, although we know that many significant challenges lie ahead.
"One focus for me over the coming months will be to define our long-term strategy, working closely with colleagues across the organisation, trustees and members of our community.
鈥淲e will ensure that we are equipped for our ongoing response to COVID-19, but also in how we can make a positive impact through supporting our community in all areas of our work over the next five years and beyond.鈥�
Robert will take up the role of Chemistry Ambassador to Europe and the Commonwealth, reporting into the CEO. The role will represent the organisation鈥檚 interests with the European Chemical Society (EuChemS) and the Commonwealth Chemistry, playing an influential role in the post-Brexit era and as the world works together to tackle global issues such as disease and climate change. A key objective will be to build partnerships with key stakeholders and potential donors within the global scientific community in support of the organisation鈥檚 charitable purpose.
Robert added: 鈥淚 am not quite ready to retire just yet as I love this organisation and have bags of energy. I am most sincerely grateful that the Honorary Officers have offered me the role of Chemistry Ambassador to Europe and the Commonwealth, which I am absolutely delighted to have accepted. I very much look forward to giving my full support to my successor.鈥�