The Bristol branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD) has named Lhosa Daly, deputy director of city-based international contemporary art and design centre Spike Island, as its new chairman.
Lhosa, pictured, takes over from Rebecca Tregarthen, who steps down after her three-year tenure. 
Lhosa trained as a lawyer, working in both London and New York, but has a long interest in and passion for the arts.
In 2009, following 10 years of private practice and a two-year spell with accountants KPMG in the South West, she established herself as a consultant working with Quartet Community Foundation, the organisation that matches philanthropists’ donations with good causes across the West of England, and the Creative Learning Agency, the arts education agency for the West of England among others.
Since she stepped into her role at Spike Island in March 2014, Lhosa has overseen a significant uplift in funding from Arts Council England, a building-wide capital development programme and secured the organisation’s place in the respected Plus Tate network, which supports the development of the visual arts across the UK.
Lhosa has been an IoD committee member for three years. She is also vice-chair of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) creative and digital sector, and South West representative for Engage, the membership organisation representing gallery and visual art education professionals.
Spike Island supports artists and designers and is home to more than 100 artists and creative companies, ranging from fine art fabrication, web design, publishing, illustration and animation. It also hosts a year-round programme of public exhibitions, talks and activities.
Lhosa said: “I am honoured to take up the role as Bristol branch chair and look forward to representing the diverse membership of the IOD.
“I bring knowledge of a wide range of business needs, drawn from my experience of supporting SMEs and large corporates as lawyer and my experience of charities, start-ups and business incubation at Spike Island. Spike Island is Bristol’s largest creative community and I look forward to sharing this vital resource with IOD members.”
IoD South West chairman Nick Sturge said: “Lhosa has been an active IoD committee member for some time now and has brought a valuable perspective on how the arts and business should be working more closely together for mutual benefit.
“Combined with her corporate background and experience, I believe Lhosa will be an excellent ambassador for the city and we are delighted to have made this appointment.”
