James Stockdale has been appointed to take over the role from Lydia Romero, who has left the body. The CISI told FP Today it was unaware of where Ms Romero had moved to.

Mr Stockdale, an experienced examinations designer, has moved from his previous role at the CISI, which was assistant director, qualifications.

In his earlier career, he spent 13 years at OCR examinations board working with the qualification regulators, including Ofqual, to ensure that the qualifications and their assessments were robust and met the regulatory criteria.

He is also a director at the Federation of Awarding Bodies.

Above: Mr Stockdale takes over from Ms Romero, below

The CISI said he was “passionate about vocational qualifications and apprenticeship programmes” and has a “vast amount of experience in the design, implementation and management of a wide range of qualifications”.

Mr Stockdale also previously worked for Skillsmart Retail, the Sector Skills Council for the retail sector, where he was responsible for working with awarding organisations to ensure that retail sector qualifications met the needs of employers.

He then joined the Institute of Motor Industry where, as well as being responsible for the National Occupational Standards and Apprenticeship frameworks, he liaised with and lobbied the Government to represent the sector’s view on emerging policy.

Mr Stockdale said: “I am looking forward to using my expertise in maintaining and enhancing our professional examination, qualification and learning standards across our global operation.”

Simon Culhane, Chartered FCSI and CISI chief executive said his job was “an important strategic role.”