About Us - Directors

Prior to founding CMC in 1990, Robin Wood enjoyed a successful career at senior management level in publishing and distribution. During that time, he served as Chief Executive, Managing Director and Chairman of companies in the UK and America, including Polygram, Pentos and the Danish Gutenberghus Group.

The move from corporate life to entrepreneur was triggered when Robin completed an Advanced Management Programme at Insead. The idea developed and two years later led to the start-up of CMC.

Since then, he has led the growth of the team that has built CMC into a highly respected provider of career services and executive coaching. In addition to his general management responsibilities at CMC, Robin is a highly regarded Career Coach with a first class record in assisting senior executives in the development and management of effective career strategies.

After graduating with a business degree, Steve built a successful career in marketing before deciding to change direction completely in 1989. Looking to develop his skills in a more people-focussed environment, he initially joined the recruitment industry before moving to outplacement and career management in 1991.
 
Steve soon found his talents were in demand across a range of corporate outplacement programmes including a major Rolls Royce downsizing programme. He also led a number of Government sponsored initiatives.
 
Since 1998, Steve has been a key driver in the development of CMC across the UK. Steve leads CMC’s highly successful Business Development function in addition to making a broad strategic contribution to CMC as a whole in utilising his near 20 year outplacement experience.

Steve works closely with key clients and is currently partnering with a range of businesses to help them introduce career management cultures to their organisations. Steve has personally managed some of CMC’s largest groupwork projects at many of the UK’s highest profile site closures. In addition Steve plays a key role with our corporate clients to ensure that the most senior exits are managed with the utmost skill and efficiency, supporting both parties to achieve their desired objectives.

Joining CMC in 2008, Isabel brought a wide range of skills of experience gained through her progressive business career. After graduating with an honours degree in Economics in 1989, she worked as a Chartered Accountant with BDO Binder Hamlyn in Manchester until 1992.

Looking to develop her professional profile, Isabel moved on to an Internal Auditor role with Scottish and Newcastle, before joining RSA in 1994. Here, over the course of 14 years, she took on increasing levels of responsibility through a range of senior finance and business management positions.

Isabel’s commercially focussed approach to Finance and Operations has empowered her team to fully support the ongoing development of CMC. 

One of CMC’s founding Directors, Susan has been instrumental in CMC’s development as a major player in the outplacement, career management and coaching market. Since CMC’s formation in 1990, she has supported hundreds of businesses and individuals going through major change by delivering programmes that generate outstanding results.

Susan plays a leading role in developing CMC's business across the North of England. An expert in Outplacement and Career Transition, Susan epitomises CMC's people-focussed, business-driven approach through the design of programmes that bring real benefits to her client companies and their employees.

After graduating with an Honours Degree in Theology, David enjoyed a highly successful
career in HR working for major international organisations including BNFL, Sonoco Europe and Manweb.

Joining Pilkington in 1996, he spent four years as HR Director of the European Building Products Division, before being promoted to Group Director, Human Resources. He then took responsibility for all HR and EHS activities worldwide with operations in 130 countries.

David joined the Board of CMC in 2006, becoming Chairman later that year. His combination of skills gained in senior business and HR roles has made a positive impact on the work of CMC – particularly in our ability to forge close partnerships with our clients and add significant value to their businesses.

A Partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) until his recent retirement, Ian’s career saw him take key leadership roles in the UK and overseas. As part of this, he took responsibility for PWC’s Growing Business Department where, for several years, he provided professional services to small privately-owned companies.

Ian joined the Board of CMC in 2007 and brings a wealth of experience in dealing with businesses of a similar size with ambitious growth plans.

A founding Director of CMC, Niki was responsible for the financial management of the business during its first ten years. Since 2000, she has continued to influence the company in a Non-Executive capacity – in particular driving quality and service levels across all stakeholders including; clients, corporate clients, consultants and colleagues. Niki has also been a leader of the strategy to develop CMC into a nationwide business with nine offices across the UK.

Dick has been a Senior Advisor to the board since 1991 with particular emphasis on strategy and organisational development.  Prior to this, a distinguished career at ICI saw him succeed in a range of roles including taking responsibility for the company’s extensive mineral products businesses. He also served as a Non-Executive Director of Vymura plc, as well as President of the British Plastics Association.