Cary Adams has a BSc Honours degree in Economics, Computing and Statistics from the University of Bath, United Kingdom and a Masters degree in Business Administration.

He is a Harvard Business School Alumni since 2003. In 2009, Cary moved from managing international financial businesses to become CEO of UICC based in Geneva. In 2014, Cary was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in International Relations from the University for Business and International Studies in Geneva, and in 2015, an Honorary Doctorate in Health from Bath University. In 2015, Cary was awarded ‘CEO of the year’ at the International and European Association conference organised by the Associations Network. 

Richard Joined PIMFA in January 2017 as Director of Strategic Partnerships. His areas of responsibility at PIMFA include membership and business development.

Preceding this he was Relationship Director at the British Bankers Association (BBA) for almost four years. He looked after all aspects of membership and relationship management at Bank and associate CEO level, and was formerly Director of Financial & Professional Services at TheCityUK. He was also a Board Director of BBA GOLD Limited an Operational Loss Risk Platform which he helped convert from a membership business to a Limited company and took to profitably in year 1

Steve Alton is the CEO of the BII, joining the independent membership organisation inSeptember 2019. He is also a Trustee of the Skills and Education Group, Trustee of Only aPavement Away and a Board Director of Best Bar None and raises funds andawareness forindustry charities

Emma brings 17 years of experience growing businesses, leading teams, and building communities, with a background in exhibitions and conferences. She has worked with more than 20 organisations—both in-house and as a freelancer—helping them expand, strengthen commercial performance, and create meaningful industry connections.

As CEO of The Payments Association, Emma leads cross-functional teams across production, marketing, sales, and operations, playing a key role in the organisation’s growth and member engagement. She has been central to the success of PAY360, now the largest payments-focused event and a key meeting point for the industry.

Emma also serves on the Board, contributing to the Association’s strategic direction and championing the role of community in shaping the future of payments.

Fran is the Chief Executive of the Horticultural Trades Association – representing 1400 growers, garden centres, landscapers and manufacturers throughout the UK’s environmental horticulture supply chain and running the country’s largest garden gift card scheme.  As HTA CEO Fran has led a period of transformation, strengthening member engagement and increasing the HTA’s influence and impact.  Fran is also a Board member of the Trade Association Forum.  Previously Fran was Director of Communications at the National Farmers Union for 11 years leading on public affairs, campaigns and communications and spent 20 years in editorial roles at the BBC before that.

Ben Beadle is the founding Chief Executive of the NRLA, the membership body that represents over 107,000 landlords across England and Wales who provide c800,000 homes. A landlord for 20 years, he has had a lengthy career in housing, holding senior roles at Places for People and TDS.

He is a familiar face in the industry and in the media, championing the excellent work responsible landlords play in providing much needed quality housing and at the forefront of efforts to enhance the sector further for all within it.

The NRLA was founded in 2020 and helps landlords and letting agents of all sizes, navigate the many challenges of the private rented sector, providing first class support, practical advice, learning resources and supporting services to make members’ lives easier – as well as powerful research and campaigning.

Under Ben’s leadership, the NRLA has acquired property compliance firm Safe2 and released its own property management software for members, as he seeks to simplify the complexity of regulation through tech.

Anna Blackman is the Chief Operating Officer at CIPFA, leading organisational strategy, operations and transformation across theinstitute. She previously spent more than 20 years at PwC, becoming a Partner and serving as Chief People Officer for its largest UKbusinessunit. In this role she championed wellbeing, mental-health awareness and inclusive leadership. Alongside her people-focused work, Anna partnered with major clients including Imperial College Healthcare, Barts Health and Capita plc on complex transformation programmes. She is passionate about building high-performing, values-driven organisations and championing women in leadership across the public and professional services sectors

Adam joined APM as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in September 2021 having formerly held CEO and senior executive roles in multiple organisations, including 6 years as CEO of the National Association for Special Educational Needs.

Beyond APM, Adam has a portfolio of consultancy and volunteering supporting organisations and initiatives that benefit society. Adam is a Visiting Professor at the Stranmillis University College and the University of Leicester (School of Business). He has authored several books and is a qualified clinical hypnotherapist.

In 2022, Adam was awarded the OBE for services to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Darren joined RIA as Chief Executive in 2017 and leads a team of 30 with a mission to promote a bigger and better UK rail supply industry. RIA has won more than 10 industry awards since 2017 including AEA awards for events, lobbying, leadership and best overall association. Before that, Darren led the Airport Operators Association, and has also worked in communications, politics and public affairs.

Katie Docherty is the Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. Previously she led national fundraising teams at Anthony Nolan, was Head of Charity Services at Age Scotland and later served as Chief Executive of Scouts Scotland. Katie isa Board member at Charity Leadership Scotland and Children’s Hearings Scotland.

Ayça Donaghy is CEO of The Lighting Industry Association (LIA), where she has led a transformation to strengthen the sector’s regulatory voice, collaboration and skills development. With over 15 years’ experience across the electro-technical and lighting sectors, she champions responsible, future-ready lighting and has been listed in the Women in Trade Associations Powerlist for three consecutive years.

Sheryl is responsible for the coordination and delivery of all aspects of current and future member engagement, partnerships, associate membership, events, finance, CRM, talent,  training and commercial development. Ensuring that the ABI and its members are best positioned, informed, relevant and engaged. 

Prior to joining the ABI Sheryl held a number of commercial, advocacy and relationship roles in both the private and not-for-profit sector spanning industries such as defence, technology and financial services, working with international governments and businesses to help them to achieve their strategic aims. 

Sheryl is a planet conscious mother of young children, a keen trained garden designer and a passionate community builder in both her work and personal life 

Robin Fletcher is CEO of BSA Group, comprising six membership associations in the education and safeguarding sectors, and Chair of immigration law firm BSA Legal. Robin served on the corporate board of trade body Make UK for six years and is an elected fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

David became Chief Executive of BESA, the trade association for commercial MEP contractors, in 2018, following a career as a nuclear submariner in the Royal Navy, then a mechanical services contractor. He has 30 years of contracting experience and knows the specialist contractor’s role well. David was an early adopter of renewable technologies and now sits on the Build UK Board and the Steering Board for Skills for a Sustainable Skyline. He is a frequent speaker on competence and compliance, energy efficiency, system integration, low carbon initiatives, the future of the sector and the gap between design and performance in buildings

Jane Frost CBE holds over 150 awards for creativity and brand marketing, including a double platinum disc for the BBCs Perfect Day which also raised over £2.5m for Children in Need. She is currently the CEO of MRS (the UK regulator for market and social research and a global trainer and publisher for the sector).

Varsha Gicas leads membership, business development, and commercial strategy at PMI, focusing on engagement, growth, and industry collaboration. With over a decade in pensions and financial services, she has played a key role in developing strategic partnerships and enhancing member value through innovation and leadership in the sector.

Throughout his career, Adrian has consistently driven revenue growth, enhanced profit margins and led high-performing teams while shaping commercial strategies that deliver lasting impact. Now at the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP), he champions the payroll profession, its people, its purpose and its recognition across the UK and wider community.

Known for his hands-on and people-first approach, Adrian thrives on turning ambitious ideas into reality, breaking through challenges and inspiring teams to excel. He is skilled in recruitment, coaching, career development and creating collaborative environments, underpinned by his Level 5 HND in Coaching & Leadership. He also brings expertise in sales enablement, change management, outsourced operations, and strategic partnerships and is the co-host of the CIPP’s ‘Behind the Button’.

Outside of work, Adrian is a husband and proud father to three teenagers, a man of faith and an advocate for personal growth and wellbeing as a qualified Mental Health First Aider. Whether developing future tennis champions in his children, spending time in the gym, playing piano or enjoying the chaos brought by a young Cocker Spaniel, Adrian values connection, laughter and helping others see potential they may not yet see in themselves.

Abdul Goffar serves as the Director of the United Kingdom at ACCA (The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). In his previous role, he held the position of Portfolio Head for the European and Americas region. Tasked with shaping and executing ACCA’s strategy for its largest overall market, Abdul brings a wealth of experience to his current leadership role.

A graduate of the University of London with a degree in Politics, specialising in British Political systems, Abdul has cultivated a diverse background. He has collaborated closely with renowned global organisations such as Procter &Gamble, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo, offering invaluable insights as a trusted adviser on matters related to organisational change, capacity building, talent management, and training.

Commencing his career in Management Consultancy, Abdul worked with leading global consultancy firms, contributing significantly to their practice and training development. In his current capacity, he oversees teams across the UK and various disciplines. These teams collaborate with key stakeholders, including senior members, UK and Devolved governments, large accounting firms, and major financial organisations. Their focus is on supporting these entities in addressing their business priorities, fortifying the profession, and cultivating a diverse talent pool and training resources.

Abdul’s extensive experience has equipped him with a profound understanding of the accounting profession in the UK and Europe. He adeptly comprehends the diverse needs of stakeholders and plays a pivotal role in influencing the profession to advance ACCA members and future professionals.

Helen has worked with ESE since its launch as an individual membership society in 2006, and since March 2016 as its Chief Executive Officer. In her role she has responsibility, in partnership with the ESE Executive Committee and the ESE Team, to progress ESE’s development and deliver on its vision and objectives. Together they aim to make a real positive difference to the world of endocrinology, and to support their members and the endocrine community to improve health and treatments through endocrine science

Sally Guyer is Global Chief Executive Officer at World Commerce & Contracting and President and CEO of the WorldCC Foundation

As Global CEO of one of the world’s fastest growing non-profits, Sally’s mission is to inspire and support the World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC) team and global community to collectively drive recognition and excellence in Commercial and Contract Management.

She is an experienced and accomplished commercial and contracts management professional, holding senior commercial positions at a range of corporate and multi-national organizations. Her focus is on the creation of positive and successful business relationships, constantly striving to ensure that businesses realize their true potential and value.

In 2019 Sallywas invited to become Chair of the Board for the Open Contracting Partnership(OCP)and in 2021 she was appointed Professor in Practice in Strategy and Innovation at the University of Durham Business School.

Rob is Executive Director, Make UK.

He is Former Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships & HE (2022-24 & 2016-17), Former Harlow MP (2010-24), attended Cabinet (2015-16) and Former Education Committee Chair (2017-22).

In 2017, Rob was elected as Chair of the House of Commons Education Select Committee (re-elected in 2019). He held this role for 5 years until becoming a Minister in October 2022

Louise joined the Law Society in March 2019 and is the Executive Director responsible for Membership and External Affairs–this includes the membership, commercial, international, policy, influencing and communications work of the Society.

Louise was formerly the Director of Advocacy at the Association of British Insurers. Prior to this she spent 12 years at the consumer group Which? as Head of Advocacy where she led award winning campaigns that built on her campaign experience at Oxfam, the international development organisation. Louise has many years of non executive experience including being the Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority’s independent think tank Aviation Futures, Chair of the Sheila McKechnie Foundation and a Board member of the personal finance education group.

David joined the organisation in 2014 as Chief Executive and has gone on to build the single representative body – the Independent Healthcare Providers Network (IHPN) across the UK private healthcare industry, consolidating industry representation and growing membership from just over 20 members to 100 today.

Before joining IHPN, David helped to establish a top 10 UK political communications company and he has also been the Director of Strategy for a major trade association in the healthcare infrastructure sector.

David regularly contributes to the policy debate about the role of private healthcare in the UK through the media and Parliamentary Select Committee appearances and engages extensively with government, Non-Departmental Public Bodies and regulators across all four nations of the UK on behalf of IHPN members.

David was awarded an MBE in the 2023 New Year’s Honours for services to healthcare, particularly during Covid. David was also recognised for the ‘outstanding contribution’ award at the 2022 Laing Buisson Awards for his ‘overwhelmingly positive influence in the health and care sector’

Jim joined the NACFB last year on the back of a 35 year career in finance where he has worked across most of the high street banks, private and investment banks and more latterly a private equity backed brokerage. He has experience across multiple functions with the larger part of his earlier career in risk and operations-based roles and latterly in sales and general management roles.

Phil joined BACP in December 2023 as CEO, he is committed to working with its members and to advance BACP towards fulfilling its public benefit objective as a vibrant and relevant professional body. He has experience in leading professional and awarding bodies that stretches across sectors as diverse as mining and social work. Before joining BACP Phil was CEO of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, leading transformation projects and advocating with members, regulators, UK government departments and international stakeholders.

Chris is the Executive Director of Membership & Commercial at the Education Training Foundation, leading ETF’s professional body and membership organisation along with a wider remit across Brand, Marketing, Sales, and Regional Engagement. Supporting ETF customers to unlock the value of funded contract work, alongside accountability for the growth of their commercial offering for individuals and Partners (Colleges, Training Providers and Employers) across their portfolio of professional development, Statuses, training, and CPD. Previously Director of International at UCAS, and a Managing Director within the City & Guilds group.

Ruth joined IOSH in 2021, having worked in and with, professional bodies for over 20 years including CIPD, RICS, ICAEW, and LI. Ruth was previously Project Development Manager at Landscape Institute, managing key strategic projects including developing a new Online CPD system, a strategic partnership with other professional bodies focused on high street regeneration and establishing a new competency framework and entry standards for membership. Outside of that she has done freelance projects for ACCA, ICAEW and 2 content agencies working with professional bodies-We Are Sunday and Think Publishing and worked for a content agency supporting BACP, AAT, CMI, CIPR, STEP, ACT and some learned societies in developing their content strategies and building their digital and print communication portfolios. She also worked at ICAEW for 9 months reviewing their membership communication strategy and recommending strategic change and prior to that spent 5 years at RICS and 8 years at CIPD running their publishing arms-print and digital.

Janet Legge is the Deputy Chief Executive of the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT). She has worked in the education sector and for membership organisations for over 15 years with leading awarding bodies such as City & Guilds and Pearson. Her passion lies in strategy and innovation and delivering optimal changes for her teams and the organisation

Emma Lovell joined STEP as Chief Executive in January 2026. She is responsible for the organisation’s global strategy, culture, performance and governance, working closely with the Board.

Emma’s career has spanned professional services, financial services, regulatory and membership bodies. From April 2020 to the end of 2025, Emma was Chief Executive of the Lending Standards Board, the UK’s primary voluntary regulatory body for the financial services sector, shaping professional standards, regulatory frameworks, policy and practice across financial services. Previously, Emma was Chief Executive of R3 (Association of Business Recovery Professionals), the UK’s membership association for insolvency, restructuring and turnaround professionals. Emma led the Association’s first strategic and organisational reset, strengthening financial resilience, deepening member engagement and enhancing national policy influence.

Alongside her executive leadership career, Emma was a Commissioner for the Institute of Directors, helping to develop the UK’s first voluntary Code of Conduct for company directors launched in 2024. She is also a Non-Executive Director for the Money Advice Liaison Group, a membership body supporting all sectors to improve the lives of people in debt.

Currently CEO of Airmic, a member of the CII Professional Standards Committee, and a Board member of the Financial Times Trust, Dianes career spans public policy, financial services, regulation, and risk, with a central theme of building financial resilience.

Dianes regulatory experience spans multiple jurisdictions and includes conduct, prudential, and financial crime. Her public policy work focussed on addressing the risks of unprecedented demographic change, winning awards for public engagement.

Previously a member of the OECD INFE (International Network of Financial Educators) global working group for six years and an international commentator delivering keynotes in the US, UK, Europe, and Asia, Diane brings a pragmatic and commercial approach to complex macro issues.

Owen Meredith is the CEO of the News Media Association, appointed in July 2021. With a background in public affairs and media, he previously led the Professional Publishers Association. Owen is dedicated to advocating for press freedom and sustainable journalism in the UK

Simon Morrison is Chief Executive Officer of the British Association of Dermatologists, the UK’s leading organisation for dermatology, where he works with government, clinicians and patient bodies to help improve the quality and delivery of dermatological care, education and research.

Prior to this, Simon held senior leadership roles at Nesta, including Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, with responsibility for the strategic and operational leadership of a £400m global innovation foundation. This included leading the development and delivery of three editions of Futurefest, the international festival of innovation.

Simon’s career spans leadership positions across the public, charity and professional membership sectors, including roles at the Home Office, HM Treasury, and the National Trust.

He has also served as a board member of Nesta Italia and States of Change in Australia, contributing to international work on public and social innovation.

With a background in communications, strategy and organisational leadership, Simon brings extensive experience of leading complex organisations, driving innovation, and shaping policy and practice at a national and international level.

Bella Murfin is Director General of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA), representing rural businesses and landowners across England and Wales. With a background in environmental policy and transformational change, she brings a strong focus on effective governance, organisational excellence and delivering positive impact for members.

Andy is the Executive Director of the Major Projects Association and a non-executive advisor to project organisations.Prior to his current roles he spent 35 years as a practitioner, consultant and assurer of complex projects and programmes for public, private and third sector organisations both domestically and internationally. Andy is a respected author (e.g. PRINCE2, P3M3, Governance of Co-owned Projects, Project Routemap).

Dr Marcia Philbin has been the Chief Executive of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (FPM)since 2019.

She spent the first half of her career working as a research scientist for the Ministry of Defence before moving into the world of Royal Medical Colleges. Dr Philbin spearheads the work of FPM to educate and train physicians who are involved in the development, approval and regulation of new medicines.  Dr Philbin is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Association of Project Management. In 2024 she was recognised by Management Today on their Women in Leadership Powerlist.

Dr Philbin is passionate about Star Trek and takes her leadership inspiration from Captain James T Kirk, Captain Jean Luc Picard, Mr Spock and the inspirational Lt Uhura

Rosina is a trade association leader, government relations specialist and non-Executive Director with more than twenty years’ experience of driving policy and public affairs campaigns for membership organisations, including for small business and the creative industries.

Bridget Shine is Chief Executive of the Independent Publishers Guild (IPG). She delivers the IPG’s strategy and has overall responsibility for the organisation. Since joining, Bridget has steered a doubling of the IPG’s membership and introduced numerous new services, events, training and resources.

Kim Stephen is Regional Director for UK & Ireland at the Energy Industries Council, leading membership and the events across the region. With cross-sector experience supporting numerous associations, she previously served as Head of Sales at P&J Live (conference venue in Aberdeen) and as Event Manager at the Net Zero Technology Centre. Passionate about future workforce development, she chairs Career Ready’s local advisory board as well as represents the North-East of Scotland on the Scottish Board.

Sarah is Director of Membership Engagement & Public Affairs at the Institute of the Motor Industry and a Trustee for the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

Sarah has worked in the membership sector for 17 years and has held senior positions since 2015. She is passionate about education, membership and helping organisations deliver great member value by placing member needs at the heart of the organisation

John is CEO of The Institute of Leadership, and has held senior positions in the UK, Europe, South East Asia, and the Middle East. He sits on the Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council, andis an advisor to Newcastle Business School. He is a former consultant to the UN International Trade Centre in Geneva, and a guest lecturer at universities in the UK and Europe. His interests include sports psychology, mountain biking, coaching, and writing articles about arcane economic issues.

Stephen became CEO of the Advertising Association in October 2016. The AA promotes the role and rights of responsible advertising and its value to people, society, business and the economy. The leadingadvertising trade bodies, commercial media owners and tech platformsare all members of the AA. The AA focuses on ad industry priorities, such aspublic trust in advertising, inclusion through the AllIn programme and sustainability, as the home of Ad Net Zero, which started in the UK and now extends internationally. The AA lobbies on behalf of the industry with Government and promotes the economic value of the industry through the ‘Advertising Pays’ reports. It is the home of Media Smart, the industry’s media literacy programme and the UK Advertising Export Group, promoting the UK’s world-leading exports performance.

Before the AA, Stephen held leadershiproles in four agency groups (Leo Burnett, WCRS/Engine and DDB/adam&eveDDB and Next 15). He is a Governor of Ravensbourne University in London, the UK’s newest creative and technology university. He chairs The Debating Group, a cross-industry programme that hosts debates on industry issues in Parliament. Heis a past President of NABS and serves on the board of the History of Advertising Trust. He was IPA President (2003-05) where he led both their first ethnic diversity initiative and launched its professional qualifications, which over 20,000 people have now passed in the UK and around the world.

Caroline had a distinguished career in the UK Civil Service prior to joining BESA in 2012, leading communications teams at the Department for Education, Ofsted, Partnerships for Schools, Cabinet Office, and the Department of Trade and Industry.

Caroline is actively involved in various government and sector advisory boards and has received numerous accolades, including Education Investor’s ‘Outstanding Contribution to Education’ award. Caroline is a frequent contributor to charitable educational activities, reflecting her commitment to the education sector.