The BPIF is to streamline its senior management structure following the departure of Michael Johnson as Chief Executive at the end of June this year. The changes will mean that just two executive directors will now report to new CEO Kathy Woodward.

The changes follow a decision by Commercial Director Richard Gray to volunteer for redundancy effective from the end of June this year and the retirement of Corporate Affairs Director Andrew Brown at the end of March. However both Richard Gray and Andrew Brown have signed contracts to support the BPIF off-payroll for a minimum number of days’ work in their specialist areas. Richard Gray will work as the BPIF’s Commercial Adviser and Andrew Brown as Public Affairs Adviser.

Chief Executive-designate Kathy Woodward says: “I am keen to see a simpler management structure adopted at the BPIF, with a smaller top team and more devolved responsibility to regional directors and departmental managers. Michael Johnson and I are now putting this into place.

Although this means that two of our most experienced employees will no longer be operating at executive director level, I am delighted that they will continue to be part of our team. Both Richard and Andy will provide vital support in relation to the all-important areas of business development and lobbying respectively. The contracts we have made with them will ensure that their talent and expertise remains available to the BPIF and its members.”