The Institute of Directors (IoD) is recruiting a new chair to lead its South West region as the role’s current holder Muir Macdonald comes to the end of his three-year term this autumn.
The successful candidate will act as the voice for regional directors, working alongside a dedicated team at the IoD to build on its connections with the public, private and third sectors. 
The chair enables members to influence decision makers at the highest levels while also overseeing the delivery of the organisation’s regional events and professional development training.
The South West is one of the IoD’s largest regions with a diverse mix of members drawn from sectors ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to aerospace, cyber, hospitality and tourism.
The regional headquarters at UWE Bristol is supported by a team of volunteer ambassador members focusing on key themes for directors including diversity and inclusion, policy and corporate governance, chartered directors and skills and education.
It is also developing a Tomorrow’s Director’ programme which is being embedded into one of UWE Bristol Business School’s Masters courses.
Muir Macdonald, pictured, a former Ministry of Defence senior project manager, said: “Little did I know when I took on the role that I would be helping to guide our members through an unprecedented period of change and challenge as the pandemic played out. 
“I am lucky to have been supported by a fantastic branch team and a group of ambassadors who have continued to promote our aims of connecting, developing and influencing even amongst the most uncertain of moments.
“This is an extraordinary region with fabulous members seeking an edge as directors. My successor will be able to work with the resilience and flexibility demonstrated by the South West, as its directors look to ‘build back better’ with the drive and optimism for which the region is known.”
IoD head of English branches Natalie Sykes added: “We are looking for a dynamic and well-connected individual to take on this influential role.
“They will join at an exciting time for the IoD, with a renewed focus on placing our members at the heart of everything we do. The successful candidate will support members to lead the economic recovery.”
The voluntary position is open to all IoD members who live or work in the South West.
Interested candidates should send their CV and covering letter to kerri-anne.mruk@iod.com by June 28. Interviews will take place on July 1.
