It is with considerable regret that the SPS announces that its Chair and long-serving Trustee, Ian McDonald Wood, has decided to resign.
It was Ian who led the continuation of the Society, with a small group of committed volunteers, when closure threatened in 2002. In our aim to return to a strong community voice of strategy professionals as in the late 70s and 80s, it was again Ian who, in 2010, led the adoption of a wider role for SPS “to play a leading role in the evolution of strategy into a more professional discipline”.
Steve Middleton, long-time Trustee and recent Treasurer, will also be resigning from the Board. The Society wishes to express its gratitude and admiration for the unstinting work both Ian and Steve have put into the Society over many years, and wish them well for the future.
The Trustees now wish to explore a modified role for SPS in light of the challenging business environment and a fast-evolving world. Following a recent strategic review of the Society’s progress towards its expanded goals, it was agreed that a full exploration of alternative futures for the Society was necessary. Consequently, the Society will be holding an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to allow all members to discuss and contribute to prospective ways forward. This may include combining with similar organisations interested in bringing together a significant, global, strategic management community with a focus on sharing learning, knowledge, best practice and experience, whilst supporting the development of individuals and organisations.
The EGM will take place in December or January – the exact date and venue details will be published in the coming month. We very much hope that you will be able to attend. In the meantime, members or prospective members, wherever located, interested in discussing the Society or becoming involved in its activities are warmly invited to contact the Trustees at trustees@sps.org.uk