Steve InghamChair of the Business Disability Forum

Steve Ingham was, until December 2022, the CEO of PageGroup, the FTSE 200 international recruitment business.

Following a four-year spell with Johnson Matthey, the precious metals business, he joined Page in 1987. The business was predominantly a London-based finance recruiter of c200 people known as Michael Page. He joined to help with the diversification of the business into new disciplines and new geographies. He was appointed to the plc Board following their successful IPO in 2001 and was appointed CEO in 2006. As CEO he expanded the company's operations from 18 countries to 37, quadrupled gross and operating profit (to over £1billion and £200m). The business now employs over 9,000 people and is market leader in many of the markets it operates, such as most of Europe (including France), China, SE Asia, and Latin America.

In March 2019 Steve had a near fatal skiing accident and is a now permanently in a wheelchair. He returned to work within three months of intensive rehabilitation. Whilst prior to his accident he was a big advocate and driving force for improving EDI in Page, his accident gave him new motivation to do more.

Following 3 out of 4 record years (2019-2022) and achieving the company Vision, he chose, after 17 years as CEO, to retire from Executive responsibilities. He now hopes to focus on improving attitudes towards disability in the workplace and to shine a light on hidden talent pools. He is on the Board of three charities: The Back Up Trust, Whizz Kidz and Wings for Life.

In June 2022 he was awarded a CBE on the Queen’s Birthday Awards, for achievements in business and for people with disabilities. As part of his belief that business and sport can make a huge difference in disabled peoples’ lives, as well as the economy, he joined the board of ParalympicGB  and also was appointed Chair of the Business Disability Forum, that represents over 25% of the UK workforce.