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New chief executive for Sector Skills Development Agency

Mark Fisher, currently business strategy director of Jobcentre Plus, is to succeed Christopher Duff as the new Chief Executive of the Sector Skills Development Agency (SSDA).

The appointment was made by Margaret Salmon, Chair of the Sector Skills Development Agency and the SSDA board, and approved by ministers. Prior to joining the Board of Jobcentre Plus Mark was HR Director for the Department of Social Security. He has also been a board director of Working Links (Employment) Limited.

Skills minister Phil Hope said: "The Sector Skills Development Agency is a key organisation in the delivery of our Skills strategy. The UK wide network of Sector Skills Councils which SSDA have put in place is at the heart of our reforms and will enable employers to get the skilled staff they need for business success. Sector Skills Councils put employers at centre stage in the drive to close skills gaps in every sector

"I am pleased to welcome Mark Fisher to his new role and wish him well in moving forward this exciting agenda. I would also like to thank Christopher Duff for his excellent work setting up the Skills for Business network, through which employers and government are now successfully joining forces to ensure UK plc has the skilled workers it needs to boost productivity."

Fisher, who is expected to join the SSDA in October, added: "Christopher Duff has been with the Agency since its inception in 2002, and has very ably overseen the development of the entire Skills for Business network. I am delighted and honoured to follow in his footsteps and lead the SSDA in the next stage of its development, adding real value to the network of Sector Skills Councils and helping to put employers right at the heart of the skills system."

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