IoD unveils new leadership team
The IoD has unveiled a new leadership team for Leicestershire and South East Midlands, with lawyer and dual accredited mediator Sarah Canning named as branch chair.
Canning will work alongside built environment and sustainability expert Dr Shamir Ghumra, who has been appointed as branch vice-chair.
The duo will provide a voice for directors across the region, raising the profile of a diverse membership base that includes leaders of large firms, SMEs, the public and third sectors.
Canning is head of dispute resolution and partner at Franklins Solicitors, working across the firm’s Northampton and Milton Keynes offices.
She specialises in commercial and property litigation covering contractual, director, shareholder, construction and franchise disputes as well as contentious probate, trusts and inheritance claims.
Canning chaired the IoD Northamptonshire branch prior to a regional reorganisation and was instrumental in the development of IoD East Midlands’ Young Directors’ Forum.
She said: “I’m delighted to be appointed to this key role as we emerge from one of the most challenging periods that directors have ever faced. The IoD has secured vital support for business leaders during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we are here to offer connections, personal development and influence as we look to not just recover but build back better.”
Ghumra is director at BREEAM, the sustainability rating scheme for the built environment with a presence in over 85 countries and more than two million registered buildings.
He is a former board member and co-founder of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, a Chartered Environmentalist and a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).
He grew up in Kettering and served as vice-chair of the Groby Multi Academy Trust in Leicestershire.
He said: “I’m excited to be working alongside Sarah to promote our region’s diverse range of talented directors. The IoD is passionate about building better directors and that begins with a strong local branch that provides insightful events and the best director development training.”
