IEMA appoints former chief of skills council as new chief executive

Tim Balcon, who headed up the energy and utility skills council for 10 years, has been named as the new chief executive at IEMA

Balcon’s experience in leading and growing organisations focused on developing professional skills made him the “ideal candidate” to lead the Institute following the departure of Jan Chmiel in March, confirmed IEMA.

During his time at energy and utility skills (EU Skills), Balcon oversaw the creation of the National Skills Academy for Power and helped to secure of £3.6 million of finance from the Employer Investment Fund. Under his tenure, EU Skills also won the accolade of outstanding sector skills council in 2009.

Before joining EU Skills, Balcon was chief executive at GWINTO, the Gas and Water Industries Training Organisation. He has also held a non-executive position at the Aston University Engineering Academy and was president of the Institute of Water.

Balcon said he was delighted to be joining IEMA.

“IEMA has a fantastic purpose and a very impressive membership base,” he said. “I am humbled to be given this role and very much looking forward to ensuring that the professional skills of our members are recognised as being a fundamental part of a growing and conscious economy.”

Adrian Belton, chair of the IEMA board, and Martin Bigg, chair of the council, welcomed Balcon’s appointment.

“Tim joins IEMA at an exciting time for the profession, with skilled and competent environment professionals increasingly playing a central role as change agents within organisations. We look forward to working with him.”

Balcon will take up his position as chief executive officer at IEMA from 22 April.