The Institute of Directors (IoD) in Scotland has appointed Julie Ashworth as its new chair.
She founded leadership consultancy Broadreach in 1998, which works with brands including Tesco, Vodafone, Target Australia and Dubai Airports, acting as a business coach to senior executives.
Ashworth also brings a background across retail, technology, professional services and hospitality. Specialising in governance, she has worked with FTSE 50 firms and start-ups.
Her current roles include being chair of the University of Aberdeen’s governing body, the University Court, serving as Scotland lead of Women on Boards UK, and having seats on several Scottish advisory boards, including the Scottish Business Network.
Catherine McWilliam, nations director for Scotland at the IoD, said: “We had several high calibre candidates interview for the role, but Julie’s experience, paired with her business acumen as a founder and CEO, made her an ideal candidate.
“Julie is an experienced executive and non-executive director, chair and advisor, with a unique cross sector view into the experience of boardrooms in Scotland.
“Through her work with M&S, IBM and Sainsbury’s, she brings a commercial understanding to the boardroom, but equally offers insights into the public sector and higher education through her governor roles.”
Ashworth said: “I’m hugely proud to be chair at IoD Scotland and look forward to working with members from across Scotland, many of whom I have worked with for years.
“I’m focused on how we can improve the use of local insights and intelligence of members to create meaningful conversations specific to each region, feeding these into the national strategy, ensuring IoD can continue to deliver on what members really need, connecting, developing and influencing.
Outgoing IoD Scotland chair Aidan O’Carroll added: “I have worked with Julie for several years and have seen first-hand her understanding and dedication to the principles of good governance, professional development and business for good.
“I’m pleased to be able to leave the role in such capable hands and look forward to witnessing IoD’s achievements in the future.”
Ashworth took over the role of chair on 15 May and one of her first events in the role will be the IoD Scotland Director of the Year Awards, taking place on 8 June at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
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