New chief executive outlines vision for Skillsmart Retail

Anne Seaman was this week named as CEO of Skillsmart Retail and has laid out her plans for the future.

Martin Beaumont, chairman of Skillsmart Retail confirmed Anne Seamanís appointment at a board meeting on 17 January.

She immediately stated her aim in her new role ñ to focus on engaging more employers to work alongside the Sector Skills Council as it gears up for re-licensing in 2009.

Martin Beaumont said:î We are delighted to confirm Anneís appointment as chief executive. Skillsmart Retail has made significant progress over the past 12 months and we expect further improvement under Anneís continued leadership.î

Anne Seaman said: ìI am pleased to be offered this new role, and am looking forward to taking on the challenges that it will bring.

îI am determined that retailers are at the heart of our work to drive up the skills level of people working in retail and as CEO that will be my primary objective.î

Anne Seaman joined Skillsmart Retail in September 2004 and has been chief operating officer since September 2006.

Previously, she was director of enterprise and innovation at Anglia Polytechnic University (now Anglia Ruskin University) from 1996. There she initiated the development of a distance-learning, work-based Foundation Degree in Logistics and was responsible for setting up the Academy of Logistics and Transport and a New Technology Institute in Thames Gateway.

Before this she managed a sizeable department running major contracts with Ford Motor Company, Anglia Water and a number of major pharmaceutical companies. Previously she started a small retail business with her partner, eventually growing to 3 stores.

Since working at Skillsmart Retail she has contributed to making it the authority for retail skills development and promotion, contributing to improved productivity. The company has a licence to operate until 2009, and is currently preparing for the process of re-licensing.