Antony Kildare announced as permanent CEO of IAM RoadSmart

Antony Kildare has been announced as the new permanent CEO of IAM RoadSmart after holding the position on an interim basis for the past six months.

The road safety charity said that Kildare has already made significant progress in shaping the future of the charity, focusing on upskilling and education to help grow its 75,000-strong membership, in addition to developing the consumer and commercial arms of the organisation.

With more than 25 years’ experience in supporting organisations, both large and small, to deliver performance improvement, organisational change, business transformation and building collaborative relationships across public, private and not for profit organisations, he will focus on helping the charity fulfil its purpose of making UK roads safer for all.

Kildare is also chair of the board of trustees at POhWER, another national charity, and has previously held executive and non-executive roles with organisations including EY, the NHS and the Department of Trade and Industry and in economic development, leisure, education, children’s services, and professional services.

By accepting the opportunity to join the charity on a permanent basis, he hopes to build on this progress and equip the charity to respond to the future issues affecting road safety.

He said: “From the outset, the chair, the board of trustees, the team of staff and the IAM RoadSmart members have all been welcoming and encouraging.

“I share their enduring commitment to our purpose, our members and our volunteers, in making UK roads safer for everyone.

“I am looking forward to building on our strong heritage in improving the skills of drivers and riders, as well as engaging with partners, industry and sector experts across the four nations to ensure future vehicles and roads have the safety of all road users at their heart.”

Kildare has already started reshaping parts of the organisation by recruiting experienced senior leadership team.

He added: “The skills and structure of our team going forward will be very important, as we all have a role to play in making UK roads safer.

“Alongside our members and groups, we need to further strengthen our engagement with government and devolved administrations, campaigning for a future fit and safer road network that actively reduces harm.

“There has never been a more important time to encourage, train and support drivers and motorcyclists. I’m thrilled to be joining a community that enjoys riding and driving and puts the safety of all road users at the heart of what they do.”

Stuart Donald, chair of the board of trustees, said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce that Antony has accepted our offer to become our permanent CEO, taking the charity forward, leading its strategic direction, growth, and people.

“Antony’s considerable leadership experience and commitment to our purpose are key assets to our charity, and we look forward to supporting him to ensure we are best serving our 75,000 members, and all road users, by making UK roads as safe as possible.”