LSIS announces new executive director

The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) has announced the appointment of Chris Cherry to its senior management team as executive director of strategy and business development.

Cherry will be responsible for developing LSIS services to help the sector drive improvement, interpret policy and respond to strategic change.

Rob Wye, LSIS’ chief executive, said: “We are delighted that Chris is joining us.

“This is a critical time for the sector in terms of new and emerging agendas, and Chris’s knowledge, talent and vision will add a new dimension and perspective to developing our services for the future.”

Cherry said of his appointment: “This is a tremendous opportunity to support the sector through major shifts in policy and the impact of further social and economic change.

“I am very much looking forward to the challenge and I am confident I can bring valuable knowledge and experience to benefit LSIS, its people and the sector as a whole.”

He will officially take up his new role on 1 December 2011 and succeed Caroline Mager, who is retiring.

Cherry has 18 years of experience in both public and private sector organisations and has worked as a college lecturer and senior manager, and more recently as an inspector, education adviser, consultant and business development director.

Aastha Gill