IoD appoints Dr Rona Mackenzie as Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chair

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Dr Rona Mackenzie as Chair for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

She will be the leading voice for directors across the two counties, working alongside a branch team to create connections, drive professional development and lobby for support where it is needed most.

Dr Mackenzie is Director of Business Development at cyber security specialist KryptoKloud and was previously Chief Operating Officer at David Fowkes Jewellery in Nottinghamshire.

Following 20 years working in education, she studied for an MBA and made the transition to the private sector. She previously held senior roles at schools and academies before becoming Founding Principal of Lincoln University Technical College (UTC), a school for 14-18 year olds specialising in science and engineering.

Dr Mackenzie said: “I’m honoured to be given this opportunity to lead the IoD’s largest branch in the East Midlands, with more than 500 members. Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are home to some truly inspiring directors and entrepreneurs of all ages and backgrounds.

“After a highly challenging year there are reasons for optimism so I’m looking forward to bringing directors together to share experiences and develop new skills. Together, we are stronger.”

Gary Headland, IoD regional chair for the East Midlands, said: “I am delighted to welcome Rona to her new role and would like to thank our vice-chair Paul Eeles for stepping up in the interim. Rona’s wide-ranging experience across the public and private sectors will be an asset as we help members to build connections, develop professionally and influence policy makers. We are looking forward to building a better and stronger regional economy.”

The appointment follows the recent promotion of Sophie Breeden to Senior Branch Manager for the IoD across the East and West Midlands regions.

The IoD has secured vital support for directors during the Covid-19 pandemic, including financial assistance for wage bills and changes to insolvency rules.