REC Chief Executive to step down this autumn after over eight years in post

REC Chief Executive Neil Carberry will step down from his position at the end of September 2026. He will lead the transition to a new CEO before departing for his new role as Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

The search for a successor has begun and will be led by REC Chair, Michelle Mellor and the REC Board, supported by Neil.

The well-established REC executive team will continue to lead the business alongside Neil to deliver crucial support for REC members at a pivotal time for the labour market and economy.

REC Chair Michelle Mellor said:

“I want to thank Neil for his outstanding dedication to the REC and our industry over the last eight years in his role of Chief Executive, and to congratulate him on his new appointment at the CIPD.

“Neil has brought exceptional energy, expertise, and passion to his work.  His commitment to the industry has been unwavering often demonstrated through his extensive travel across the UK to meet members and ensure we consistently delivered the highest standards of service.

“Whilst Neil will be greatly missed, both I and the Board have every confidence in our strong executive team to provide continuity and stability as we transition to a new CEO.

Thanks to the hard work and leadership of Neil and the wider team, we are in a strong position to continue to support our members and our sector, particularly as we look ahead to celebrating the REC’s centenary.”

 Commenting on his departure Neil Carberry said:

 “It has been a privilege to lead the REC over the last 8 years. My abiding memories will be of the brilliance of recruiters across the country in facing up to challenging times – from the pandemic to the hiring slowdown of the past two years. I have seen the difference they make to clients and candidates alike, especially when firms take a long-term view of what their recruiters do – delivering a true professional service.

“The REC is uniquely positioned to help talent businesses with support and representation at a time when everything is changing in our sector, from regulation to technology. Together, we have built an organisation that always puts its members at the heart of everything it does. This will still be the case as our fantastic team take things forward after my departure.  Until I leave, I will be focused until the last minute on getting agencies the best conditions to thrive and contribute to economic growth. From tackling ill thought-through Guaranteed Hours proposals to support on technology adoption – there is still plenty to do!

“I want to finish by thanking the REC team for all their work over the past eight years, and our Board for their commitment and support. The new Chief Executive will be taking on one of the UK’s most visible, influential and important trade associations as the organisation approaches its centenary. There is much exciting work to be done. I have made great friendships with REC members and colleagues and will remain an advocate for everything recruiters do.”

 Notes to editors

1.     Neil Carberry was appointed as Chief Executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation in June 2018.  He began his career in recruitment in 1999, before doing a post-graduate degree in Human Resources at the London School of Economics and specialising in employment relations. Joining the CBI in 2004, he led the CBI’s work on the labour market, skills, energy and infrastructure. Neil spent a decade as a member of the council of the conciliation service ACAS and two terms as member of the Low Pay Commission, which recommends UK minimum wages. He was appointed an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List of 2025. He has recently been appointed to the Advisory Board of the Fair Work Agency and is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, a Fellow of the RSA and a member of the Company of HR Professionals.

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The REC is the voice of the recruitment industry, speaking up for great recruiters. We drive standards and empower recruitment businesses to build better futures for great candidates and themselves. We are champions of an industry which is fundamental to the strength of the UK economy.

Find out more about the Recruitment & Employment Confederation at www.rec.uk.com.