Kirstie Donnelly has been made chief executive officer of the City & Guilds Group after holding the role on an acting basis since the resignation of Chris Jones in January.

Ms Donnelly said that she was delighted to be taking on the role permanently.

She said: “The need to re skill and up skill throughout our working lives has never been more acute and in my new role I will be making it my mission to really change the way the skills and FE sector is viewed. I want to help Government, employers and wider society to understand the critical role we play in helping everyone gain access to the skills and opportunities to succeed as well as ensuring organisations are equipped with the skilled workforces they need to grow and be prosperous.”

Background: City and Guilds CEO Chris Jones steps down

Opinion: The government’s industrial strategy - will it stick?’

More from Donnelly: Why we need a ‘long-term, sustainable skills system’

She first joined the City & Guilds Group in 2011 as director of product development in City & Guilds before becoming manager director of City & Guilds and ILM, leading the assessment, credentialing and apprenticeship offers. She received an MBE in June 2011 for contributions to e-learning in the FE and adult learning sector.

Chair of the board of trustees, Sir John Armitt, said: “Her commitment to City & Guilds Group alongside her depth of sector and leadership experience, as well as her passion for skills development makes Kirstie the natural choice for CEO. I and my colleagues on the board look forward to working closely with Kirstie as she continues to deliver against the vision and strategy for the organisation.”