So long, Pam George, PA to 18 CIOB Presidents

You’ve seen 18 Presidents come and go, who has been your favourite to work with?

I liked every one of them. Sir Brian Hill was the first president I worked with and he helped me overcome my ‘new girl’ nervousness with his calm and courteous manner. My favourite President’s wife was Merrill, widow of the late Alan Massey, who shares my passion for tennis.

Which one has been the most challenging president?

The late Sir Ian Dixon. His energy was inexhaustible and I had my work cut out keeping track of him as he toured the country to promote the “Building Matters” campaign.

Which President faced the biggest challenge?

In 1999 Paul Shepherd had to oversee the search for a new CEO. This was a turbulent year and he steered the Institute with a steady hand.

Has your job changed you?

I suspect that at least my skills in diplomacy have been honed over the years.

What is the biggest change you’ve seen at the CIOB?

When I joined the Institute I sat in front of a typewriter! It does not seem that long ago that I heard the chief executive utter the ambitious pledge that ‘all managers would have a computer on their desk.

Any career highlights?

Meeting HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, an Honorary Fellow, and the wonderful concert by Sarah Brightman at Englemere to celebrate our 160th anniversary in 1994.