The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK) has today announced a new leadership team to its Board of Trustees, with Anna-Jane Hunter appointed as the new Chair, and Antoinette Irvine and Austin Birks taking on the roles of joint Vice-Chairs. The new appointments will take effect from 24 May.
Anna-Jane Hunter, the former Vice-Chair, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Qualifying as a Barrister before transitioning to the rail industry 19 years ago, she is a Fellow of the Institute and has held leadership positions within Network Rail, Train Operating Companies, and various multi-agency industry groups. For the past five years, she has operated as an independent operations professional, specialising in stakeholder relationships, safety, and performance improvement. She also holds a Global Master’s in Business from the University of Manchester.
Anna-Jane expressed her honour at the appointment:
“This is a huge honour for me, and I’m delighted to have such a fantastic team of Vice-Chairs to support me. As former Vice-Chair, I already have an insight and understanding of what is needed and how we can take CILT UK forward together. As our first ever female Chair, I hope to help further open new doors and become a shining example to other females in our sector. I look forward to hitting the ground running and working closely with the CEO and management team to deliver for our members and the sectors we represent.”
Antoinette Irvine, who previously served as Chief Human Resources Officer for Unilever Global Business Operations Division, offers 30 years of experience in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods sector. Having joined CILT UK as a co-opted board member in 2024, she has since contributed to the Institute’s charitable objectives and assisted in developing capabilities for the UK supply chain sector.
Antoinette shared her enthusiasm for the new role:
“This is a great opportunity for me and one I intend to grab with both hands. We all know the important work CILT UK do, and we want to take that to the next level now. I want to thank everyone for their support, and I look forward to the opportunity.”
Austin Birks, the current CEO of professional recruitment group Verita HR, brings 20 years of experience working with FirstGroup to his new position. A member of CILT UK since 1983, he has been a member of the MRG and has chaired the bus and coach Forum since 2008.
Austin conveyed his eagerness to contribute:
“I am delighted with my recent appointment and am eager to contribute value and strategic guidance to the Institute. I am committed to fostering positive transformation within the coach and bus sector, recognizing CILT UK’s crucial role in shaping its future.”
Vikram Singla, the outgoing Chair of the Board of Trustees, reflected on his tenure and the future direction of the Institute:
“To ensure that the institute makes a step change in delivering its’ charitable objectives at speed and scale, it has been great to put in place the framework for modernisation journey, formalise the strategy with capability framework at its’ heart and collaborations with the likes of NHS/DfT in implementation phase. It has been an honour to serve the institute.”
Paul Adams, CILT UK CEO, acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing Chair and warmly welcomed the new leadership team:
“Firstly, I want to thank Vikram for his dedication and hard work over the last two years. We are incredibly grateful for the role he has played as Chair and pass on our sincere gratitude.
“I also want to warmly welcome Anna-Jane, Antoinette and Austin. I know all three are bringing with them valuable experience and vision. They will help shape a new direction for us and I very much look forward to working with them.”
The new leadership team at CILT UK is poised to guide the Institute in its mission to promote and develop the art and science of logistics and transport for the benefit of the public.
