Tim Nicholson, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), has decided to stand down after nearly three years in the post.
Nicholson, who oversaw the merger between FRES and the IES in January 2000 from which the REC emerged, is to stay in his position until the end of the year.
He said: “REC was launched into a time of rapid change and uncertainty, and a difficult combination of regulatory pressures and tough market conditions has challenged all of us to find the right ways forward.
“I am pleased with the way that REC has responded to the pressures and the problems. We are a great industry with a vital contribution to make, and REC is where it belongs, at the heart of debate.”
He added: “My choice is either to commit for a further substantial period, or make way for someone else who can do so, and I have decided on the latter. Therefore, from both a personal and an REC point of view, I feel this is a timely step.”
Nicholson played a pivotal role in the merger of FRES and IES which had previously represented the recruitment industry.
He said: “It was a great opportunity for me to create a new organisation representing the interests of thousands of companies and individuals in this important and growing industry. The REC has now established itself as the voice of the industry, and it is right now to find someone else to take it forward.”
REC chairman Keith Faulkner said: “While we will be sorry to see Tim go, we fully concur with his thoughts on timing and the Board is being given time to find and settle in a new CEO.
“REC has become a pro-active, well-connected, issue driven organisation that looks for constructive solutions whilst ensuring members’ interests are identified, debated and powerfully presented.
“Driving the agenda in a sales oriented industry full of vociferous and entrepreneurial professionals is not for the faint hearted, but this position is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to make a real difference.”
