Sir John Sunderland, chairman of Cadbury Schweppes plc, has been appointed as the new president of the Chartered Management Institute.

Sir John plans to use his presidency to call for more focus on the higher skills needed to build UK global competitiveness, as raised in the Leitch Review of Skills. In line with the Institute’s goal for 50% of managers to be qualified to level 4 or higher by 2020, he will also highlight the value of high-quality, continuous professional development for the long-term performance and productivity of UK organisations.

On becoming the President of the Institute, Sir John said:“The UK cannot compete with emerging economies like China and India on price, so it must gain a competitive advantage through its skill base.

“Management skills and competencies are key to the success of British industry. The UK needs not just more graduates, but individuals with the management and leadership skills to drive performance. I look forward to building on the work of my predecessors and the executive team at the Institute in pursuit of this goal.”

Sir John has been with Cadbury Schweppes since 1968 and was appointed Chairman in May 2003. He is also non-executive director of Barclays plc, deputy president of the Confederation of British Industry and a director of the Financial Reporting Council.

He succeeds Tim Melville-Ross, chairman of Bovis Homes plc.