Phil Smith
Biography
Phil Smith CBE is Chair of Skills England, bringing extensive leadership in technology, innovation and skills development.
Former Cisco UK & Ireland CEO and Chairman, he also chaired Innovate UK and led key skills initiatives, including The Tech Partnership and the Digital Skills Council.
Awarded a CBE in 2019 for services to technology and skills, Phil has worked to bridge industry and education. His appointment as Skills England Chair in 2025 reflects his commitment to shaping the UK’s workforce for future economic needs.
Chair, Skills England
Industrial Strategy Advisory Council member
Phil is a member of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council (ISAC) by virtue of his role as interim Chair of Skills England, a new arm’s length body that will bring partners together to meet the skills needs of the next 10 years. This will ensure the 2 bodies work together to form a coherent national picture of where skills gaps exist and how they can be addressed.