IQ welcomes new CEO

James Thorne appointed as new chief executive officer of The Institute of Quarrying

THE Institute of Quarrying (IQ) has announced that James Thorne, currently executive director of membership with IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety & Health), has been selected as its new chief executive officer.

He succeeds Phil James who departed the Institute in August 2016.

Mr Thorne (pictured) will take up his new role at the end of January 2017, poised to lead the Institute into its Centenary year.

‘I am extremely proud to be joining the IQ, especially as the centenary celebrations commence to mark its 100-year anniversary. It’s a great opportunity to highlight the important contribution that the industry, the Institute and its members make on a daily basis,’ he said.

‘It is also very exciting to be joining such a progressive and proactive organization that wants to build on that history, ensuring it grows and develops over the next 100 years.

‘I am very much looking forward to working with the team, members and stakeholders in ensuring that the Institute and the sector is best placed to address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities over the coming years.’

Mr 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, Mr Thorne has worked closely with members, developing research to understand the needs of the organization’s 46,000+ 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, Mr Thorne has been involved in supporting the development of IOSH’s new five-year strategy.