About IOP Publishing

IOP Publishing (IOPP) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Institute of Physics (IOP), an international scientific charity, professional body, and learned society dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of physics.

As a leading scientific publisher with annual revenues of approximately £80 million, IOP Publishing works with researchers, libraries, and scientific societies worldwide to publish journals, conference proceedings, and scientific information across physics, materials science, astronomy, bioscience, and environmental science. Operating profits are reinvested to support the Institute of Physics and the global scientific community.

The Role

IOP Publishing is seeking an experienced Chair of the Board to provide strategic leadership during a period of continued transformation within scholarly publishing.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, the Chair will lead the Board in setting strategic direction, overseeing organizational performance, strengthening governance, managing risk, and ensuring long-term sustainability. The successful candidate will also serve as a key liaison between the Board and the Institute of Physics' Council, helping maintain strong governance and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

Board Leadership

• Lead the Board to ensure effective governance, oversight, and collective accountability.
• Chair Board meetings and establish agendas focused on strategy, performance, governance, and risk.
• Foster an effective Board culture that encourages constructive discussion and sound decision-making.

Strategy & Performance

• Guide the development of the organization's long-term strategy.
• Oversee delivery of strategic objectives and shareholder expectations.
• Monitor organizational performance and support sustainable growth.

Financial Oversight & Governance

• Oversee financial performance, enterprise risk management, and internal controls.
• Support strong governance practices and regulatory compliance.
• Participate in the Institute of Physics' Remuneration Committee.

Executive Partnership

• Build a productive working relationship with the Chief Executive Officer.
• Provide support, guidance, and constructive challenge to executive leadership.
• Serve as the primary link between the Board and the Institute's Council.

Board Development

• Lead Board succession planning and performance evaluations.
• Promote high standards of governance, ethics, diversity, inclusion, research integrity, and ESG responsibility.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Significant experience as a Board Chair or senior Non-Executive Director.
• Extensive knowledge of academic or scholarly publishing.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance, fiduciary responsibilities, and shareholder accountability.
• Experience overseeing organizational strategy, financial performance, and enterprise risk.
• Ability to provide independent judgement and constructive challenge.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Commitment to ethical leadership and organizational purpose.

Preferred Attributes

• Strong understanding of the evolving scholarly publishing landscape.
• Experience leading organizations through industry transformation.
• Ability to build consensus and facilitate high-quality Board discussions.

Recruitment Process

Candidates will be asked to submit:

• Current CV or résumé.
• A supporting statement (maximum 500 words) outlining their suitability for the role and the value they would bring as Chair.
• Contact details for a professional referee.

Shortlisted candidates will participate in interviews with members of the Institute of Physics and the IOP Publishing Board.

Timeline

• Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
• Shortlisting: 14 August 2026
• Panel Interviews: September 2026
• Appointment Confirmed: October 2026
• Board Term Commences: November 2026

Compensation & Commitment

• Initial three-year appointment.
• Approximately 20–25 days per year.
• Compensation of approximately £30,000 per annum.
• Opportunity to lead the Board of one of the world's most respected scientific publishing organizations during a pivotal period of strategic transformation.

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