Geoff Armstrong (pictured) has announced that he is to retire as director general of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) in June 2008 after 16 years.

Armstrong says: “The CIPD is the voice of the people management and development profession. Our impressive evidence base supports our advocacy of the crucial role good people management plays in differentiating between organisational success and failure. Our research is based on data and experiences gathered from our members.  It shows the ways in which our profession is delivering superior performance and strategic resilience in a changing world.

"The CIPD will continue to support our members and the broader managerial community as we strive to make the competitive difference for our organisations and for the wider economy.”

The search for a replacement will be led by CIPD president Vicky Wright and the Remuneration Committee.