CBI names new president

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has announced that Cressida Hogg CBE will become its next president and chair of the CBI Board from January 1, succeeding Rupert Soames.

Cressida currently serves as chair of BAE Systems and senior independent director of the London Stock Exchange Group, as well as being a member of the takeover panel. 

She has held non-executive roles at Land Securities Group, Associated British Ports and Anglian Water, and previously had a strong executive career in infrastructure and private equity, including as managing director and head of infrastructure at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and managing partner at 3i Infrastructure plc.

Her appointment will be subject to election by members at the CBI’s next AGM in 2026.

Cressida said: “I am pleased and honoured to have been nominated to be the next president of the CBI. 

“Whilst this is a challenging time for business, it is also one of opportunity. 

“I look forward to working with the CBI team as we help government achieve our common objectives of making the UK a high-growth economy, attracting the investment needed to drive global competitiveness and increased productivity.  

“I am also excited to be working with Rain, her team and our members on the next stage of the CBI’s development.”  

Rain Newton-Smith, chief executive of CBI, added: “Cressida brings authority and deep experience to this role and will help us to deliver clear messages to government and politicians of all stripes about the need to increase the pace of delivery on policies which will attract investment and sustain growth in the UK economy.  

“We are all greatly looking forward to working with her.”

Rupert Soames, the outgoing CBI president, added: “I’m delighted that Cressida has agreed to join the CBI as my successor.  

“She has a high reputation as one of the most successful members of the British business community and has had a distinguished executive and non-executive career covering industrial, financial services and asset management businesses.  

“She has also had long experience in working with businesses that have close relationships with government, most particularly in defence and infrastructure investment.”

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