New leadership team for IoD Leicestershire and South East Midlands

The IoD has unveiled a new leadership team for Leicestershire and South East Midlands, with experienced lawyer and dual accredited mediator Sarah Canning named as branch chair.

Sarah will work alongside built environment and sustainability expert Dr Shamir Ghumra, who has been appointed as branch vice-chair.

Sarah and Shamir will provide a voice and influence for directors across the region, raising the profile of a diverse membership base that includes leaders of large firms, SMEs, the public and third sectors.

Sarah Canning is head of dispute resolution and partner at Franklins Solicitors LLP, working across the firm’s Northampton and Milton Keynes offices.

She specialises in commercial and property litigation covering contractual, director, shareholder, construction and franchise disputes as well as contentious probate, trusts and inheritance claims.

Sarah chaired the IoD Northamptonshire branch prior to a regional reorganisation and was instrumental in the development of IoD East Midlands’ Young Directors’ Forum.

Sarah said: “I’m delighted to be appointed to this key role as we emerge from one of the most challenging periods that directors have ever faced. The IoD has secured vital support for business leaders during the Covid-19 pandemic, and we are here to offer connections, personal development and influence as we look to not just recover but build back better.”

Shamir is director at BREEAM, the sustainability rating scheme for the built environment with a presence in over 85 countries and more than two million registered buildings.

He is a former board member and co-founder of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, a Chartered Environmentalist and a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

Shamir grew up in Kettering and served as vice-chair of the Groby Multi Academy Trust in Leicestershire.

Shamir said: “I’m excited to be working alongside Sarah to promote our region’s diverse range of talented directors. The IoD is passionate about building better directors and that begins with a strong local branch that provides insightful events and the best director development training.”

The IoD is strengthening its East Midlands network by appointing ambassadors to represent key sectors. These voluntary roles provide an opportunity to engage and support businesses to be more productive, innovative and resilient.

Gary Headland, IoD regional chair for the East Midlands, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Sarah and Shamir to our regional team. Their energy, experience and connections will be vital as we help directors to lead the region’s economic resurgence by providing connections, professional development and influence.”

If you would like to get in contact with Sarah then please do so by emailing – [email protected]

Better directors for a better world

The IoD supports directors and business leaders across the UK and beyond to learn, network and build successful, responsible businesses.
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