IoD NI Chair's Blog - September 2026
As Chair of the Institute of Directors Northern Ireland, I have spent much of this year reflecting on a simple but important challenge facing Northern Ireland.
Across every sector of our economy, we see innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience. We have businesses with global reach, a highly skilled workforce, world-class educational institutions and significant investment potential. Yet Northern Ireland’s success will ultimately be determined not by our ambitions, but by our ability to deliver.
This was the central message I highlighted at the IoD Northern Ireland Annual Dinner: the challenge is not potential, it is execution. We have seen a decade of talking about what needs to be done and now we need some actions – IoD Northern Ireland and other business groups will assist in whatever way we can.
Progress happens when leaders invest in themselves, make decisions and turn ambition into action.
An example of leaders investing in the future of Northern Ireland was demonstrated at the dinner with business leaders raising over £5,000 for The King’s Trust Northern Ireland. The trust provides funding to help support programmes that enable more young people to develop skills, access opportunities and enter the workplace. This reflects the commitment of our members not only to business success, but also to making a positive contribution to our wider community.
Supporting Directors to Deliver
Strong leadership is about more than identifying challenges. It is about delivering results. That principle has guided our work throughout the year and continues to shape our priorities for the months ahead.
Investment in leadership capability remains one of the most effective ways to improve performance, and I am encouraged by the continued demand for our professional development programmes.
This year, we have delivered both the Accelerated Certificate in Company Direction and the Diploma in Company Direction. Members are currently completing the modules of the certificate during our autumn series of training, and we have 4 members participating in the Global Certificate, which we run in partnership with the University of St Andrews.
The growing demand for governance, board development and strategic leadership training reflects the increasing importance organisations place on strong leadership and effective decision-making.
Alongside our professional development programmes, our events continue to provide valuable opportunities for members to learn, connect and share experiences.
As directors and business leaders, we all have a role to play in shaping Northern Ireland’s future. I encourage every member to make the most of the opportunities available through IoD Northern Ireland, whether by attending an event, investing in professional development, contributing to policy discussions or introducing a fellow leader to our network.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the final months of the year, our priorities remain clear:
-
Growing and engaging a diverse and dynamic membership.
-
Strengthening our professional development offering.
-
Championing good governance and boardroom excellence.
-
Providing a strong and credible voice for business.
-
Supporting an environment that encourages investment, innovation and sustainable growth.
-
Recruiting a new Chair who will continue to shape the future direction of our organisation and champion the interests of directors and businesses across Northern Ireland.
Finally, I would like to thank our members, sponsors, partners and committee members for their continued support and engagement. Your commitment to leadership excellence and good governance remains central to the impact of IoD Northern Ireland.
Kind regards and thank you again.
John Hansen
Chair
IoD Northern Ireland
