The Institute of Sales Professionals announces a key leadership transition as Rob Marklove joins as Managing Director. This appointment enables Guy Lloyd to focus fully on progressing the Institute’s journey towards chartership and advancing formal recognition for the sales profession.
Guy Lloyd to focus on chartership
What was planned to be a short-term 6-month position while a permanent MD was sought, became an exciting 18-month journey; one in which ISP broke through 10,000 members, launched a new website, delivered a major upgrade to the Sales Capability Framework, expanded international operations into several countries, and introduced the Investor in Sales award.
With the foundations for continued growth firmly in place, Guy will now dedicate his efforts to securing chartership for the profession. This work is central to establishing sales as a fully recognised profession, underpinned by clear standards, structured development pathways and trusted accreditation.
Commenting on the transition, Guy said:
“This is an exciting time for the Institute. Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. Establishing professional sales as a critical business function in the eyes of government and academia is important for businesses and sales professionals worldwide, of which almost one million are in the United Kingdom. I look forward to supporting Rob as he leads the next phase of the Institute’s growth.”
Rob Marklove joins as Managing Director
Rob Marklove brings more than twenty years of experience in leadership development, sales performance and organisational culture. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with chief executives, boards and leadership teams to connect commercial performance with human behaviour, helping organisations strengthen leadership capability, improve decision making and deliver sustainable results.
Most recently, Rob served as Managing Director of Transform Performance International, where he guided the organisation through two successful acquisitions, first by Peoplewise in 2024 and subsequently by LCAP Group in 2025. Earlier in his career, he led global sales at BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
A vision for the next phase
Rob joins the Institute at a time when professional selling is gaining increasing recognition as a critical driver of economic growth and business performance.
Speaking about his appointment, Rob said:
“I am incredibly excited to be joining the Institute of Sales Professionals as Managing Director at a time when the sales profession has never been more important. Sales sits at the heart of every successful organisation. It drives growth, creates jobs and fuels innovation. Yet as a profession it has not always received the recognition or structured development it deserves. The opportunity to lead an organisation that exists to champion professional standards, ethical practice and continuous development in sales is both a privilege and a responsibility that I take very seriously. My thanks to Guy and his team for building a strong platform for the next stage of our journey.”
This leadership transition marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Institute. With a strengthened membership base, enhanced frameworks and an ambitious vision for chartership, the Institute remains focused on elevating standards and advancing professional selling across the United Kingdom and internationally.