Lady Barbara Judge appointed IoD chair

1 min read

The Institute of Directors has announced the appointment of Lady Barbara Judge CBE as its national chair. She will take up her role as the IoD's first female chair on 1 May.

A trained commercial lawyer with British and American citizenship, Lady Judge has enjoyed a broad and successful international career as a senior executive, chair and non-executive director in both the private and public sectors. A member of the IoD since 1985, she is currently Chair of the Pension Protection Fund and the Energy Institute of University College London, as well as a non-executive director of Portmeirion Group.

She was previously chair of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, deputy chair of the Financial Reporting Council and a commissioner of the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Lady Judge said: "I relish the prospect of chairing an organisation whose contribution to the national debate is every bit as vital as the practical support it offers its members. The IoD is synonymous with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, and I shall ensure that these values remain at the heart of the organisation."

She added: "Company directors have never been in a position of greater responsibility. The complexity of modern business and the duties placed on directors mean that they need to possess a wide range of skills and experience. Public and political scrutiny is also intense, so our members must continue to make the case for ethical and successful business through their own behaviour.

"I want to cement the IoD's reputation as the home of good governance, where directors and entrepreneurs are trained to the highest standards and can continue to learn from other business leaders throughout their careers."