From education to employment

Skills Funding Agency promotes Kim Thorneywork to interim chief executive

The Skills Funding Agency has promoted Kim Thorneywork, previously its executive director of delivery, to interim chief executive.

Thorneywork replaces Geoff Russell, who is retiring after holding the position since April 2010.

Announcing the news, Skills Minister John Hayes said: “I am delighted that Kim Thorneywork has accepted the position of interim chief executive. Her wealth of experience in the sector and extensive knowledge of the Skills Funding Agency will be a valuable asset in this role.”

Departing CEO Geoff Russell said: “This is tremendous, affirmative news for the Skills Funding Agency and the sector. I am confident that Kim, along with the rest of the Executive Management Team, will help enable the sector to take FE to new levels of excellence.”

Thorneywork has an impressive CV, which has spanned a career in various further education positions. Having first worked as a deputy head teacher at a Technology College and then as an area director for the Learning and Skills Council, she has most recently filled the roles of senior accounts director for the Skills Funding Agency, and lastly as its executive director of delivery.

Thorneywork commented: “Taking the Skills Funding Agency forward will be a privilege. I am delighted to accept the role of interim chief executive and I’d like to thank the Minister for putting his trust in my leadership.”

Natasha Spencer

(Pictured: interim chief executive Kim Thorneywork)


Related Articles

PHX Training Welcomes Louise Kirby to Drive Learner Success

Leading vocational training provider PHX Training has appointed Louise Kirby as one of its new business leaders. Louise joins the Blackpool office and has more than two decades of expertise in the welfare-to-work and employability sector from Ingeus Working Well Work and Health in Manchester, where she played a pivotal role in supporting learners with complex needs.  Throughout her career,…

Responses