Former chairman of mmO2 elected as new president of Chartered Management Institute

David Varney, currently the executive chairman of HM Revenue and Customs, was today elected as the new President of the Chartered Management Institute. He succeeds Sir Paul Judge, the chairman of the Royal Society of Arts. In assuming the role, David becomes the organisationís 30th President, since it was founded as the British Institute of Management in 1947.

David has had a distinguished career having joined the Shell Refining Company as personnel assistant in 1968 and moving through the ranks within other Shell companies to become a director of Shell International Petroleum Company in 1995, with responsibility for Shellís Oil Products business in Europe.

He has also served as chief executive of BG Group plc, where he successfully steered the company through a de-merger. In 2001, David became chairman of mmo2, with responsibility for the management of the Groupís operations, including corporate governance and the growth of shareholder value.

On becoming President of the Institute, David said, ìI have always believed that the education and development of leaders and managers is of paramount importance to all UK organisations. The challenge of raising awareness about what skills you need to be considered a good manager is emotive and exciting, so I am particularly delighted and honoured to serve as President of the Chartered Management Institute at this time.î

Mary Chapman, chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, said, ìI am delighted to welcome David as the new President of the Institute. I am sure that his valuable management experience and excellent leadership skills will help guide the Institute towards its goalsî.

David has also served as a member of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food and as chairman of Londonís New Deal Employer Coalition. He graduated from the University of Surrey in 1968 and went on to gain an MBA from Manchester University in 1971.