AMCIS, the membership association for admissions, marketing and communications in independent schools, has appointed Oliver Smith as its new chief executive.

Smith takes over from Tory Gillingham, who previously announced her decision to retire this summer, following 21 years at the helm.

Smith was previously deputy chief executive of the Employee Ownership Association, where he worked for 10 years, having previously been its head of membership and business development. He has a degree from Leeds Beckett University and is an alumnus of Pocklington School near York.

Smith said: “I am thrilled to be joining AMCIS with the challenge to build on the legacy that Tory has so passionately created. I look forward to meeting and, alongside the AMCIS team, supporting AMCIS members.”

Jennifer Hirst, chair of AMCIS, said: “AMCIS has grown significantly during Tory Gillingham’s time as CEO, and we are delighted that Oliver has agreed to join us to build on her excellent work. We appointed him from a strong field of candidates after he presented a clear and strategic vision for AMCIS. Oliver’s experience in member engagement and growth and retention, together with his collaborative leadership style and considerable experience in membership educational programs, will be an asset to AMCIS.”

AMCIS has 580 member and runs a support programme of events, continuing professional development sessions, and specialist diploma courses.