THE new regional chair of Institute of Directors (IoD) could be lurking in the wings on the Shotley peninsula.

The IoDis seeking a chair to replace the outgoing David Sales to represent the interests of its members in the East of England, and given the pool of talent living on the peninsula, it would be no surprise if the right applicant was right under our noses.

The successful applicant will oversee a region which covers branches including Suffolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Norfolk, and counts more than 2,600 members among its director fellowship. The chair will help drive membership experience and growth while implementing and supporting IoD policies.

Mr Sales, a successful entrepreneur and director with global experience who has held the role for more than six years said: "Sometimes we all get the chance to give back to something much bigger than ourselves to make a difference. This is one such opportunity, which will at the same time help you grow and develop further by leading the debate on what really matters in helping directors build a better world.

"It is hard, interesting, fun, and immensely engaging work. I would recommend this rare opportunity to any IoD member who looks first for what they might be able to give their country, society, and other directors, not simply what they can get from being actively involved at a senior level.

"This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference in an important institute, with the benefit of leaving a legacy. It is an exciting time of change and a renewed focus on membership experience locally. Like every organisation we must deliver more impact with less resources."

Simone Robinson, IoD Regional Director for the East said: "The successful candidate will take on this challenging and rewarding role at a time of great change for organisations across the world, and most crucially for those responsible for leading them. We find ourselves in the midst of the unprecedented global challenges of coronavirus and climate change, and we must attempt to get ahead of the 'new normal.'

"The IoD is no different in that it is innovating, reorganising, and re-engineering its value and member propositions to remain, after 114 years of history, as relevant and essential to directors in the new world as it is today.

"As the world post-covid will change, the support our region provides to members must increase. We must remain at the forefront of local, genuine, and value-adding business connections, professional development and influence."

Deadline for application is 22 June 2020, with interviews to occur (virtually) on 29 June 2020. To find out more [L]https://www.iod.com/events-community/regions/east-of-england/news/details/iod-east-region-searches-for-experienced-innovative-new-regional-chair[L+click here.[.L]