Sarah Thewlis elected as next REC Chair

The REC is pleased to announce that Sarah Thewlis has been elected as the new Chair of the REC, taking over from Chris Moore when his term ends on 8 October. 

Sarah is Managing Director of executive search firm Thewlis Graham Associates, which she co-founded in 2010. She initially joined the REC Council in 2013 and has held several other senior non-executive positions including as Chair of a cancer support charity. 

Chris steps down as Chair after three years in the job and the maximum term of seven years as an REC non-executive director. He will remain a Fellow of the REC (FREC).

Sarah Thewlis, in-coming Chair of the REC, said: 

“I am delighted to have been elected as Chair of the new style REC Board. My predecessor, Chris Moore and Neil Carberry, the CEO, have together done a fabulous job in bringing positive changes to the organisation. There is still work to do if we are to deliver more to the membership. I am looking forward to focusing on regional support, embracing diversity and inclusion, and making sure that recruitment is given the recognition it deserves as we help to bring economic recovery to a developing world of work.”

Chris Moore, outgoing REC Chair, added:

“I would like offer a very warm welcome to Sarah as our new Chair. Sarah is an excellent appointment and will be a major asset to the REC over coming months and years.

“The work the REC does in support of our industry is so important, especially now. We face unprecedented challenges in the labour market. Recruiters help the economy to grow and jobseekers to find new roles – the sector has never mattered more. It has been a great pleasure to support the REC as Chair, and I wish Sarah, Neil and the team all the best for the future.”

Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the REC, commented:

“Sarah’s appointment as Chair comes at a challenging time for our industry. Her wide commercial, recruitment and public body experience – in both executive and non-executive roles – will be vital to helping the REC stay focussed and effective in supporting members.

“The robust and competitive process for our new Chair, and for the other seats on the REC’s new board, is a further demonstration of the REC’s commitment to effective and engaged governance.

“I want to thank Chris Moore, on behalf of all members and REC staff, for the fantastic support he has offered recruiters over the past three years as Chair and through all is time on the REC Council. I am especially grateful for him staying on as Chair for an additional few months as we adjusted our governance plans during Covid-19.”

Earlier this year the REC Council voted in favour of overhauling the REC’s governance structure. The new board will have a majority of elected REC members, with 6 seats, but it will also include four new independent Non-Executive Directors appointed to bring in different skills and support the REC to better serve recruiters.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Sarah Thewlis began her career in retail HR with Marks and Spencer PLC. After twelve years there, she joined the staff at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) as Deputy Chief Executive. In 1994 she was appointed Chief Executive at the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and in 2002 took up the role of Chief Executive and Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council. After six years she moved into executive search as Head of the Not-for-Profit practice at Gundersen Partners (formerly Bucher Rugman) before forming her own firm.

For more information, contact the REC Press Office on 020 7009 2157, 020 7009 2192 or pressoffice@rec.uk.com. Outside of regular office hours, please call 07702 568 829.