UK association launches search for new CEO
03/06/2011
From September, the association will be run by a team made up of a part-time chief executive and a part-time communications director, who will continue to be supported by the current membership and administration manager.
Current chief executive, Louise Ramsay, identified the need to restructure the OIA’s executive to reflect the broadening remit of the association and proposed the new roles. She has decided to step down from the position of chief executive and the OIA board has asked her to fulfil the new communications role. She will also oversee the transition to the new structure and be part of the team that recruits a new chief executive for the association.
The OIA said on announcing this development that, since joining in March 2009, Louise Ramsay has been the driving force behind the association. Under her leadership and a new board, the OIA has embarked on a wide ranging programme of initiatives designed to better serve, represent and promote the outdoor industries.
Developments have included: enhanced services and cost saving benefits for members; more proactive, regular and consistent communications activity, aligned around a new website; the launch of the OIA conference, which will become an annual event; extensive outreach activity, working with other organisations in the sector to have a louder voice at a national and international level; ongoing sponsorship and support of the annual Innov_ex conference; the launch of The Active Guide website, designed to raise the profile of the specialist outdoor sector within the wider population; and the recent launch of the new Active Retail specialist training scheme.
The OIA’s new structure reflects the increasingly wide and varied range of activity being undertaken by the association. By splitting responsibilities, the association believes that the individuals in each role will be better able to focus on key priorities.
The new chief executive will take charge of the overall strategic direction of the OIA and will focus on areas such as lobbying, membership development and raising the profile of the industry. They will also oversee management of finances and represent the OIA on different industry working groups. In her new role, Louise Ramsay will manage all communications of OIA activities to members, the wider trade and consumers. Louise will continue to develop and manage the website, PR, social media and The Active Guide, while promoting new initiatives such as the Active Retail training programme. She will also organise the annual OIA conferences and the regular CEO and director forums.
The OIA intends to have its new chief executive in place by September and is now actively seeking suitable candidates.
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