The Institute of Directors (IoD) is seeking a new chair to become its voice of business for South Yorkshire.

The chair’s seat is currently occupied by Keith Jackson who has held the role for the last six years. Keith is CEO of Brandon Medical, Leeds, and was previously MD of Sheffield-based JRI Orthopaedics.

His successor will be a leader, role model and innovator with the ability to take the helm of the IoD’s South Yorkshire branch by building on the successful work of the current chair in providing connections, professional development and influence for directors across a wide range of organisations.

The successful candidate will represent the views and experiences of South Yorkshire directors within the IoD’s influential Policy Voice programme which directly feeds back to government.

The IoD has secured vital support for directors during the Covid-19 pandemic, including financial assistance for wage bills and changes to insolvency rules. Through Policy Voice, it continues to provide government with first-hand reports from those dealing with the crisis.

Natalie Sykes, IoD head of English branches, said: “Keith has been an outstanding chair who has helped build and support our membership over the last five years, and he leaves in place a blueprint for future success. 

“The successful candidate will be an important figurehead for South Yorkshire businesses at this very challenging time.  They will be a dynamic and forward-thinking leader, inspiring and managing a team of members through the promotion of new ways of working that will drive change and challenge established thinking to achieve our aims and ambitions. 

“The IoD is an evolving business and we are working hard to reflect true diversity. As such we strongly encourage and welcome applications from all groups including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.”
Interested candidates should send their CV and covering letter to iod.yorkshire@iod.com by 15 November. Interviews will be held on 24 November with the successful candidate being in post from January 2021.