Julie Ashworth appointed Chair of IoD Scotland

Julie Ashworth – a Fellow of the IoD – has this week been appointed as the new Chair of the Institute of Directors in Scotland.

Julie founded Broadreach Ltd, a leadership consultancy, in 1998 which works with brands including Tesco, Smart DCC, Vodaphone, Target Australia and Dubai Airports, and acts as a business coach to senior executives and directors.

She brings a background and experience across multiple sectors of industry, including retail, technology, professional services and hospitality. Specialising in governance, she has worked with FTSE 50 and award-winning start-ups.

Her current roles include being the 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, meaning she brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the role.

Speaking of Julie’s appointment, Catherine McWilliam, Nations Director – Scotland at IoD Scotland said: “Julie will make a fantastic Chair of IoD Scotland. 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 for the role.

“The IoD Scotland membership is reflective of the leadership community in Scotland, representing public, private and third sector leaders. They are all facing real challenges around growth and building success, while ensuring their organisation is built on the vital pillars of ethics, governance and integrity.

“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. It’s this diversity of thought which will help ensure IoD’s position is future -proofed as the leading voice for directors in Scotland.”

On her new role, Julie 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.

Commenting on the appointment, 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.”

Julie took over the role of Chair from Aidan 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 2023 at the EICC. The ceremony will celebrate leadership during a challenging year, and offer some recognition for those navigating businesses and organisations through a quickly changing landscape. Final tickets are remaining and available here.

ENDS

For media enquiries or more information please contact Joel Meekison at [email protected] or 07411482505

Image: Julie Ashworth – Chair of IoD Scotland