Hampshire: IoD appoints Aileen Ryan as chair

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Aileen Ryan to chair its Hampshire and Isle of Wight branch.

Ryan becomes the voice of business for the region, working on behalf of around 670 members from a wide range of industries. Her career spans operations and strategy roles in the semiconductor and software engineering industries with experience at firms including Huawei, Motorola and Alcatel.

Most recently, Ryan was chief strategy and chief operating officer at embedded analytics business UltraSoC, which she grew and guided through a successful acquisition by Siemens, where she now serves as senior director of portfolio strategy.

Ryan, who lives in Hampshire, is recognised as a leader in the global communications industry and regularly speaks at international events.

She said: “I believe the IoD plays a unique role in supporting business and providing strong leadership both in the UK and globally. It is an honour to chair the Hampshire and Isle of Wight branch, and I look forward to engaging with local members in support of the IoD’s mission to connect, develop and influence.”

Ryan succeeds Glenn St John-Colgan, director of Augmentas Group, who reached the end of his three-year term.

As chair, she will work alongside a branch team to ensure that the views of Hampshire and Isle of Wight directors are represented within the IoD’s influential, national Policy Voice.

The IoD is the UK’s number one organisation for directors, providing connections, influence and world-class professional development.

Faisal Khan, regional chair of IoD South, said: “I’m delighted that Aileen is taking on this important role at the helm of our large and proactive Hampshire branch, which represents a truly diverse business base. Her considerable experience will be invaluable as we engage with local businesses, local authorities and education providers to build better directors and a prosperous business community.”