LeMan takes over as CSD president

Adrianne LeMan was confirmed as Chartered Society of Designers president by CSD council last Friday as the society’s development director, Jane Clarke, gave notice that she is to leave to set up her own business.

LeMan, who is managing director of annual reports specialist C&FD, follows on from Nick Jenkins, having served as president-elect for a year. Jenkins resigned last month after the CSD executive committee voted against taking part in the industry review now known as the Halifax Initiative (DW 13 June).

LeMan was instrumental in striking the recent deal with NatWest Bank to write off a large part of the CSD’s debt (DW 27 June). She says of the CSD: “I am committed to making it reflect the wishes of its 6000 members.”

One of her first tasks, however, will have to be to address the CSD’s staff situation. Director Brian Lymbery has been off sick for over three months and last week came under the society’s private health insurance deal. Under this he remains on the CSD pay-roll, but his salary will be paid through PHI for up to 52 weeks.

Though it is not strictly part of her job, Clarke has deputised for Lymbery in certain areas, while continuing to raise sponsorship as part of development role. Her departure in mid-September after three years, to fulfil a long-term goal of setting up her own sponsorship consultancy business, leaves another senior gap.