Leadership changes at the Executive Office

Dear Member

I am writing to inform you that James Hickey will be leaving the group to take up a new opportunity at the end of February.

Having worked closely with James for the last 10 years, I was saddened to hear of his decision to leave the group, but I am obviously very grateful to him for his immense contribution to the group during his tenure as CEO and wish him continued success in his new role.

James informed me in November of his decision to leave the group, and since then, I have been working closely with him, Giles Brake and the other members of the Executive Office team, and will continue to do so to ensure a smooth and timely transition.

James’ decision to leave follows a successful 10 year tenure as CEO in which Alliott Group has taken major steps forward in developing its global presence and value proposition. As of 21st January, Giles, our previous Head of Marketing, has stepped up into a newly created Chief Operating Officer role. The transition from James to Giles provides the platform for the alliance to accelerate the current momentum and to make changes that will give a more dedicated focus to the key areas of the business that drive growth and the creation of even greater value for members.

We are very fortunate to have an Executive Office team which has over 30 years of experience of the international alliances sector. While clearly changes are having to be made to the workings of the Executive Office, members of the team are excited to take on new enhanced roles as below:

Jenny Ringrose: Member Services Manager
Sophia Rook-Blackstone: Membership Development Executive (role split between membership development and managing the accounts

Evaluation of the needs of the business is ongoing by the World Executive Committee including plans to strengthen the Executive Office team with particular focus on resourcing the continued growth of the membership. More information will be circulated soon. 

James comments: “I have enjoyed my time immensely at Alliott Group and leave with a heavy heart. The time has come for me to take on a new challenge and to handover the reins to someone who can take the business to the next stage in its development. I am very happy to pass the baton to Giles who will provide the right balance of continuity and carefully considered innovations and change.”

Giles comments: “While we are all sad to see James leave, it provides a good opportunity to evolve the business as we look to deliver our services differently. I am very proud to take on this new role and am pleased that every member of the existing team has been supportive and expressed their desire to step up to the challenges ahead. I will aim to continue the group’s development under James and will make key appointments in the months ahead that will add extra resources and business acumen to the Executive Office team.”

In the spirit of the Alliott Group family, I am sure we will be keeping in contact with James, particularly those of you on social media who want to keep an eye on George’s development and Tessa’s gardening endeavours!  Please do not hesitate to contact Deputy Worldwide Chair Darsi Casey or me, Colin Farmer, if you have any questions about these changes.