The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has appointed Jackie Orme as chief executive, following the departure of Geoff Armstrong who is retiring in June 2008.

Orme takes up her position in April 2008. She is currently chief personnel officer and vice president, HR at PepsiCo International, and sits on the global PepsiCo International HR Council.

Orme said of her new role: “It is a great honour to be appointed to this role at the head of an HR profession that is growing in influence and standing. I’m looking forward to leading the CIPD’s work to develop and promote great practice in the management and development of people.”

CIPD president Vicky Wright said that this is an “exciting moment” for the CIPD.

“Jackie has exceptional experience of the modern world our members are operating in. As a leading practitioner and innovator, she is ideally placed to lead the profession into the future. She’s also got the business experience needed to drive continued high performance and growth at the CIPD.”