New appointments to IoD Board

The Institute of Directors has further strengthened its Board with the appointment of five new directors.

The changes include four non-executive directors bringing a breadth of knowledge and expertise from across the business world and a senior member of the Institute’s management team.

The new directors are:

  • Ieda Gomes Yell – Ieda brings over 30 years of international experience in executive and non-executive positions in leading public and private companies as well as non-profit entities, particularly in the energy, infrastructure, construction and certification sectors
  • Robin Watson – Robin is Chief Executive of Wood plc, a UK listed company with over 45,000 employees in 60 countries. He has won four IoD Director awards, including UK Director of the Year 2019.  He was appointed CBE in 2020 in recognition of his services to international trade
  • Anita Bernie – Anita is an experienced executive and non-executive director of both established and start-up aerospace businesses. She has extensive strategic, commercial and transformation experience, particularly around development, research and technology in the space industry
  • Graeme Jenkins – Graeme is Chief Executive of Dobbies Garden Centres and a highly experienced finance professional with an international career across retail, transport, aviation and professional services. He is a Board Member of the Scottish Retail Consortium
  • Esther Teeken – Esther is the Chief Operating Officer of the IoD and has driven an impressive change programme under rapidly-changing circumstances. She brings extensive experience as a finance professional, most recently as Chief Financial Officer for Grant Thornton International

Patrick Macdonald, who took over as chair of the IoD in March this year, said the new directors would add invaluable experience to the Board at an important time for the Institute.

“I am delighted to welcome all our new directors to the IoD Board. Over 300 candidates applied for the non-executive roles and the standard was particularly high which made selection a difficult task. I believe we have chosen four very strong NEDs who will greatly help move the Institute forward.

“I’m also very pleased to recognise Esther’s valuable contribution during what has been a period of change for the organisation. She is an integral part of a strong senior management team leading the Institute through and beyond the pandemic.”

The Board changes come as the IoD continues to reshape and modernise across the wider organisation to better reflect its membership and society as whole. As an example, since the publication of the Institute’s annual report earlier this year, the IoD has appointed a number of new chairs in the Nations & Regions of whom the majority are female.

“All our new directors are strong advocates for greater inclusivity and diversity in business which is of increasing importance to our members and society at large,” said Mr Macdonald.

“There are still many challenges ahead as well as many opportunities. However, the Institute is in a strong position with a strong leadership team in place. These five new directors bring additional experience, perspective and insight to our Council, Board and Management in serving our members more closely, more effectively and more dynamically now and in the future.”

As well as chair Patrick Macdonald and the new appointments, the other IoD Board non-executive directors are senior independent director Alexander Simpson, Deborah Davis, Femi Bamisaiye, Amaechi Nsofor, John Watson and Dr Suzy Walton. Director General Jonathan Geldart is also a member of the Board.

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.
Internet Explorer
Your web browser is out of date and is not supported by the IoD website. It is important to update your browser for increased security and a better web experience.