The Future Leader Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate vision, integrity, and the potential to influence their sectors in meaningful ways. This year’s shortlist highlights inspiring professionals from across the membership landscape, each of whom has shown outstanding dedication, innovation, and leadership qualities that will shape the future of their organisations and professions.
Kayleigh Tobbell – Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Kayleigh has played a pivotal role in strengthening CIPD’s presence across Northern England during a period of significant change. She led her team with resilience, developing new ways of working and supporting junior colleagues across the UK to grow in confidence. Kayleigh has expanded engagement opportunities, building senior professional networks and creating new structures for collaboration.
By fostering positive relationships with stakeholders and communities, she has brought new energy to previously challenging areas and helped strengthen CIPD’s reputation. Her work has not only grown membership but also given members a stronger voice in shaping the profession.
Sally Eley – Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Sally’s leadership at the CIPD Trust is marked by her commitment to inclusivity and social impact. She has created mentoring and employment programmes for groups including refugees, parent returners, and people with convictions, delivering tangible results such as improved confidence, skills, and employment outcomes. Sally inspires colleagues through collaboration, building networks that champion diversity and new opportunities.
Her success in securing funding and forging partnerships has significantly expanded the Trust’s reach, while her focus on measuring impact ensures long-term sustainability. By combining empathy with strategic drive, she has built a platform that empowers individuals and advances inclusive practice.
Oli Howard – Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Oli has made a strong impact as Head of Membership and Product Portfolio at CIPD, driving growth and enhancing member value. He has led initiatives that expanded mentoring, career support, and wellbeing services, while improving the overall membership experience. Oli has also engaged younger generations through partnerships with schools and colleges, inspiring future HR professionals.
His work to amplify the profession’s voice has strengthened diversity and recognition across sectors and internationally. A mentor and role model to his team, Oli combines vision and resilience with a passion for creating services that respond to members’ evolving needs and expectations.
Robin Saaristo – Royal Aeronautical Society
Robin has dedicated nearly a decade to championing early career professionals within the Royal Aeronautical Society. As Chair of the Young Person’s Committee, now the Next Generation Board, he has ensured younger members have a voice in shaping governance. Elected to Council in 2022, Robin has been a consistent advocate for future generations during strategic reviews. Beyond RAeS, he chairs the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Early Career Engineers Committee, inspiring peers across professional bodies.
Alongside his voluntary leadership, Robin works as a Senior Systems Engineer at Martin-Baker, developing life-saving technology. His commitment and influence are already leaving a lasting legacy.
The shortlist for the Future Leader Award reflects the strength and diversity of emerging leadership across the membership sector. Each nominee has combined passion, vision, and a commitment to others in ways that have already delivered meaningful impact.
Together, they show how the next generation of leaders are shaping stronger, more inclusive, and more forward-looking professions.
The Memcom Excellence Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday 25 September at the Royal Lancaster London.
Tickets are now available book now to celebrate with us in style.
