RSSAhead of its centenary year, The Institute of Quarrying (IQ) has appointed a new chief executive officer who will take up post in January 2017.
James Thorne, currently executive director of membership with IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety & Health), joins the UK-based IQ as chief executive officer, filling the post vacated by former IQ CEO Phil James at the end of August 2016.
Commenting on his appointment, Thorne says: “I am extremely proud to be joining IQ, in what promises to be a year of celebration marking our 100th anniversary. It’s a great opportunity to highlight the important contribution that the industry, the Institute and its members make on a daily basis to the success of our economy.
“IQ has an excellent reputation as a progressive and proactive organisation and I want to build on our history, ensuring we grow and develop over the next 100 years. I am looking forward to working with the team, members and stakeholders to ensure that the Institute and the sector is best placed to address the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities over the coming years.”
Thorne has a background in environment and sustainability and has a huge amount of experience working with volunteer networks and membership bodies. Before arriving at IOSH in 2014, he spent six years at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), becoming its head of membership services.
During his time at IOSH, he has worked closely with members, developing research to understand the needs of the organisation’s 46,000-plus members around the world. He then led on enhancements to the support and services available to its membership, helping safety and health professionals to network, share knowledge and to develop their careers. Most recently Thorne has been involved in supporting the development of IOSH’s new five-year strategy.
