Hampshire and Isle of Wight: IoD builds leadership team

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has strengthened its team in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight following the appointment of chair Aileen Ryan. Stuart Wright has been appointed as branch vice-chair while Sarbani Bose, Peter Curnow-Ford and Richard Beesley become ambassadors.

Wright is an experienced director of both small, venture capital-backed companies and large multi-nationals. He has extensive knowledge of aerospace and general production engineering.

Bose, managing director of data specialist consultancy firm Ei Square, has been appointed as diversity and inclusion ambassador. With more than 20 years’ experience in digital transformation around data, analytics and telecommunications and clients including Virgin Media. Bose is a board advisor of data product company D.RiskIT.

Curnow-Ford joins the team as infrastructure and large businesses ambassador. He has more than 30 years’ experience in telecoms infrastructure. As executive chairman he has mentored more than 165 chief executives on fast growth plans, funding, management team build and board structure, governance and dynamics.

Beesley has been named as education and skills ambassador. The former Odgers partner has more than 20 years’ experience as an interim management provider and executive coach. He is a career mentor of final year and postgraduate students at Southampton University.

The new team members follow the recent appointment of experienced global communications specialist Aileen Ryan as branch chair for Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

Ryan said: “These key appointments demonstrate that the IoD means business in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. We are building a diverse, talented and experienced team that will help directors from all backgrounds and industries to build connections, develop professionally and influence decision-makers.”