Institute of Directors in Scotland appoints first female chair

Susan Deacon has today been named as the new Chair of the Institute of Directors in Scotland.

The appointment means she will become the first woman to hold the position.

She succeeds Ian McKay, who will officially stand down as Chair at the IoD Scotland Conference tomorrow, having served since 2012.

Ms Deacon will pick up the baton at the same event.

The IoD said Ms Deacon “brings to the role a wealth of leadership experience and involvement in Scottish business and public life”.

She has served on the Boards of a number of businesses and charities and is a former MSP and Scottish Government Minister.

A keen advocate of collaboration and cross-sectoral cooperation, she has worked widely across the private, public and third sectors in developing strategic partnerships and at the interface between academia, business and Government.

Outgoing chairIan Ian McKay said: “The future of the IoD is in excellent hands with Susan at the helm. Her varied experience and approach to leadership will be of real benefit to the IoD at a time when boards are increasingly embracing change.”

Commenting on her appointment, Susan signalled her intention to build on IoD Scotland’s work to date to promote strong leadership and governance.

She said “Successful organisations need effective leaders – it’s that simple. If Scotland is to continue to grow and flourish on a world stage we need to support the leaders of today and to grow the leaders of tomorrow. So too must our Boardrooms have within them a diverse range of skills and experience and operate to the highest possible standards. I am very proud to be taking on the role of Chair of IoD Scotland, an organisation which has been at the forefront of promoting high standards of leadership and governance.”

She added “It is crucially important that Scotland remains a good place in which to invest and do business. Over the years, I have had the privilege to work with a wide range of people and organisations who are driving creativity, innovation, enterprise and growth across Scotland. IoD Scotland has a key role to play in supporting Scotland’s business leaders to ensure their voices are heard and their contribution is recognised. Achieving economic success and social progress go hand in hand. With more powers being devolved to Scotland, and Holyrood elections next year, it is vital that that policymakers work to support and enable enterprise and do not put obstacles or constraints in its way.”

David Watt, executive director of the IoD in Scotland added: “The Chair’s appointment is welcomed by myself and the staff team, and we look forward to working with Susan to further grow the IoD in Scotland, and to drive change across Scotland’s business sector.”