Peter Cheese: Leading the Future of Work and People Development
Who is Peter Cheese?
Peter Cheese is widely recognised as one of the most influential figures in the field of human capital, organisational strategy, and people development. As Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the professional body for HR and people development, he has spent over a decade shaping the conversation around the future of work, leadership, and wellbeing. His thought leadership, extensive consulting background, and commitment to transforming workplaces have positioned him as a key voice in HR worldwide.
Born in the United Kingdom, Peter pursued his academic journey at Loughborough University, where he graduated with a BSc in Ergonomics. This foundation laid the groundwork for a career spanning more than four decades, during which he has held influential roles in both the private and not-for-profit sectors.
Peter Cheese and CIPD
CEO at CIPD, the Professional Body for HR and People Development
In July 2012, Peter Cheese became Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The CIPD is the UK’s leading professional organisation for HR and people development, with more than 130,000 members around the globe. The body plays a vital role in supporting HR professionals, shaping policies, and developing resources that help businesses and organisations foster effective people management practices.
Under Peter’s leadership, CIPD has strengthened its global influence. He has spearheaded campaigns and initiatives focusing on flexible working, employee wellbeing, workplace diversity, and future skills development. His ability to connect business strategy with human capital needs has been central to CIPD’s growth and relevance in an evolving world of work.
The New World of Work by Peter Cheese
In 2021, Peter Cheese published his highly acclaimed book The New World of Work: Shaping a Future that Helps People, Organisations and Our Societies to Thrive. This work is not only a reflection of his professional expertise but also a roadmap for organisations navigating modern challenges.
The book addresses critical issues such as:
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Stagnant productivity levels across industries.
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Rising concerns about employee wellbeing and mental health.
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The urgent need to close the growing skills gap.
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The importance of inclusive job design and flexible working practices.
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Embracing diversity and fostering cultures of trust and responsibility.
Peter emphasises that “good work” must go beyond productivity and profit. It should create environments where people thrive, organisations succeed, and society benefits. His insights have been particularly relevant in the post-pandemic era, where hybrid working and employee wellbeing have become front-and-centre in organisational strategies.
Career Before CIPD
Accenture: Global Managing Director
Before joining CIPD, Peter spent 30 years at Accenture (formerly Andersen Consulting). His career there culminated as the Global Managing Director of the Talent and Organisation Performance consulting practice, leading a network of 3,000 consultants worldwide.
In this role, he advised leading businesses around the world on human capital and organisational strategy, talent management, HR transformation, and change management. His international experience enabled him to understand cultural differences in workplace practices while shaping global strategies for talent and performance.
Consulting and Non-Executive Roles
Between 2009 and 2012, Peter held various consulting and non-executive roles. He founded his own consulting vehicle, Ockham Consulting, where he advised on human capital strategy and change management. He also chaired 3C Associates, a consultancy focused on performance management and leadership development.
During this period, he served as a non-executive director for organisations such as Change Track Research and iGlobalFitness, demonstrating his broad interest in organisational change and workforce wellbeing.
Leadership Roles Beyond CIPD
Engage for Success
Peter Cheese is Chair of the Engage for Success movement, a national initiative promoting employee engagement as a driver of organisational performance. Since 2018, he has led efforts to encourage leaders and organisations to foster greater trust, inclusivity, and engagement at work.
What Works Centre for Wellbeing
From 2021 to 2024, Peter served as Chair of the What Works Centre for Wellbeing, a leading independent body dedicated to understanding and improving wellbeing across the UK. His involvement reflects his belief that workplace culture and wellbeing are central to both organisational success and broader societal impact.
College of Policing
Peter sits on the Board of the College of Policing for England and Wales, contributing his expertise in leadership and organisational development to the nation’s policing body. This role highlights the breadth of his influence, extending beyond corporate environments into public services.
Other Boards and Advisory Roles
Peter has served as a non-executive director at BPP University and held advisory roles at the Open University Business School. He also contributed to Junior Achievement Young Enterprise Europe, an NGO focused on developing employability and entrepreneurial skills in young people. These roles underscore his commitment to education, skills development, and leadership for the future.
Education
Peter Cheese studied at Loughborough University, where he earned a first-class degree in Ergonomics between 1975 and 1979. His academic background gave him a unique understanding of how people interact with systems, environments, and technology—a perspective that has deeply influenced his approach to HR and organisational development.
Honours and Awards
Throughout his distinguished career, Peter Cheese has received multiple honours and recognitions:
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Honorary Doctorates: Awarded by the University of Bath, Kingston University, and Birmingham City University.
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Fellowships and Companionships: He is a Fellow or Companion of seven professional bodies, including the CIPD, Australian HR Institute (AHRI), Academy of Social Sciences, Royal Society of Arts, Chartered Management Institute, and British Academy of Management.
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Recognition:
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Named the UK’s most influential thinker in HR by HR Magazine in 2013.
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Recognised as one of the Top 25 Consultants Worldwide by Consulting Magazine in 2008.
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These honours reflect not only his expertise but also the respect he commands across academia, business, and the HR profession.
Writing and Media Contributions
Beyond books, Peter Cheese has contributed countless articles to publications worldwide. His commentary regularly appears in newspapers, journals, and online platforms, where he explores the evolving nature of work, leadership, and human capital.
He is also a regular voice on radio and television, offering insights on the challenges and opportunities facing organisations today. By bridging academic research, practical business experience, and public discourse, Peter has become one of the most trusted commentators on the world of work.
Specialties
Peter’s areas of expertise span a wide range of fields, including:
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Human capital strategy.
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HR transformation and organisational strategy.
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Talent management and leadership development.
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Change management and workforce engagement.
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Business strategy and the role of technology in shaping the workplace.
Conclusion
Peter Cheese, CEO at CIPD, has dedicated his career to advancing the profession of HR and transforming the way organisations view their people. His leadership at CIPD, his influential book The New World of Work, and his commitment to roles across education, wellbeing, and public service reflect his passion for creating workplaces that work for everyone.
From his early days at Accenture to his current roles as a writer, speaker, and advisor, Peter continues to shape the global conversation on the future of work. His vision of organisations built on trust, inclusivity, and wellbeing is more relevant than ever in today’s rapidly changing world.
