The Institute of Directors (IoD) has launched a search for a new East Midlands chair, with Gary Headland standing down from the role once his successor has been appointed.
The successful candidate will be the voice for directors in the region, working to support East Midlands directors by creating connections, driving professional development and ensuring members’ voices are heard by policy makers.
They will lead members across three branches: Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and South East Midlands and Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland.
After seven and a half years of leading the Lincoln College Group, Gary Headland has secured a new position as Chief Executive of Activate Learning from 1 April 2022, which means he will be working in Berkshire, Surrey and Oxfordshire most of the time.
He has served as a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Lincolnshire, a chair of private and education sector organisations and a non-executive director of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce.
Gary said: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of the IoD’s Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland branch and then the East Midlands region over the past six years. I am proud of the role the Institute has played in creating better directors through ongoing learning and a core focus on good governance.
“We have also used our influential lobbying voice to support business leaders in our regional community through the challenges of the pandemic. I remain highly committed to the IoD purpose – as set out in our Royal Charter – and I will continue to be a strong advocate and ambassador of the IoD going forward.
“This is an exciting opportunity for a new chair and I would encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to come forward as we look to reflect the diversity of directorial talent in our region.”
Jon Geldart, IoD director general, added: “Gary has contributed so much of his time and expertise to support members across the East Midlands. He is a real champion for the region and has built a diverse, inclusive and strong regional committee of director volunteers. We wish him well in his new role and thank him for six years of voluntary service.”
