The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK) is pleased to announce the appointment of Anna-Jane Hunter as the new Chair of Board of Trustees, and Antoinette Irvine and Austin Birks as new joint Vice-Chairs - effective as of 24 May.

Anna-Jane, the former Vice-Chair, qualified as a Barrister before joining the rail industry 19 years ago. A fellow of the Institute, she has extensive experience leading teams within Network Rail, Train Operating Companies, and multi-agency industry groups. For the last five years she has been an independent operations professional, specialising in stakeholder relationships, safety and performance improvement. She also holds a Global Master’s in Business from the University of Manchester.

Anna-Jane, said: “This is a huge honour for me, and I’m delighted to have such a fantastic team of Vice-Chairs to support me. As former Vice-Chair, I already have an insight and understanding of what is needed and how we can take CILT UK forward together. As our first ever female Chair, I hope to help further open new doors and become a shining example to other females in our sector. I look forward to hitting the ground running and working closely with the CEO and management team to deliver for our members and the sectors we represent.” 

Antoinette Irvine, former Chief Human Resources Officer for Unilever Global Business Operations Division, offers 30 years of experience in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods sector. Back in 2024 she joined as a co-opted board member. Since then, she has contributed to the Institute's charitable objectives and helped develop capabilities for the UK supply chain sector.

Antoinette explained: “This is a great opportunity for me and one I intend to grab with both hands. We all know the important work CILT UK do, and we want to take that to the next level now. I want to thank everyone for their support, and I look forward to the opportunity.”

Currently the CEO of professional recruitment group Verita HR, Austin Birks, has 20 years’ experience working with FirstGroup. Having been a member of CILT UK, since 1983, he has been a member of the MRG and chair of the bus and coach Forum since 2008.

Austin added: “I am delighted with my recent appointment and am eager to contribute value and strategic guidance to the Institute. I am committed to fostering positive transformation within the coach and bus sector, recognizing CILT UK’s crucial role in shaping its future.”

Vikram Singla, outgoing Chair of the Board of Trustees, explained: “To ensure that the institute makes a step change in delivering its’ charitable objectives at speed and scale, it has been great to put in place the framework for modernisation journey, formalise the strategy with capability framework at its’ heart and collaborations with the likes of NHS/DfT in implementation phase. It has been an honour to serve the institute.”

Paul Adams, CILT UK CEO, added: “Firstly, I want to thank Vikram for his dedication and hard work over the last two years. We are incredibly grateful for the role he has played as Chair and pass on our sincere gratitude.

“I also want to warmly welcome Anna-Jane, Antoinette and Austin. I know all three are bringing with them valuable experience and vision. They will help shape a new direction for us and I very much look forward to working with them.”