IoD restructures with new head of branches role created

The Institute of Directors has abolished the role of regional chairs and installed former Yorkshire and East Midlands head Natalie Sykes as its new head of branches for England.

The role is part of a new structure for the IoD which it says has been developed to create a “more member-led organisation”.

IoD director general Jon Geldart said: “Our new structure is a true reflection of ‘OneIoD’, combining the qualities, expertise and professionalism of our members and colleagues.

“It is structured to create a future membership experience which is better than ever before and which delivers on our three pillars of Connect, Develop and Influence and our Royal Charter.”

Sykes is a member of the IoD’s management team and has achieved its chartered director status. Prior to the IoD, she worked in a range of sectors including museums, hospitality, health and wellbeing, finance and wealth management, regeneration and property.

Sykes said: “The IoD is one of the leading business institutes in the UK and beyond. Our Royal Charter not only is to represent individual directors, it is to encourage entrepreneurial activity and promote responsible business practice for the benefit of our members, and in turn, our society as a whole.

“We believe that better directors build a better world. As such, we encourage directors and future directors along the journey of our world class director development programme.

“Through our Policy Voice and our Chair and Ambassador network, we represent our members back to government, fostering a prosperous and sustainable economy while also developing empowered connections though our branch network.

“This is a fantastic chapter in our long history as we transform the IoD’s relevance for today’s and tomorrow’s directors.”