IoD appoints Steve Hill as South West chair

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Steve Hill to lead its South West region.

Steve was formerly vice-chair and succeeds Muir Macdonald, following the completion of Muir’s three-year term as chair.

Steve will be the voice for South West directors, ensuring they are represented within the IoD’s influential lobbying voice. He will forge connections between directors through a calendar of regional events and professional development training.

Steve was managing director of SEA, which delivers products and services to the defence and transport markets. SEA is part of the AIM-listed Cohort Group. Under Steve’s leadership SEA grew its profits and expanded its customer base into more than eight countries. He stepped down in 2020 to build a portfolio career supporting other businesses, aiming to share his knowledge to help others succeed.

The electrical engineering graduate previously led several UK businesses. He started his career at GEC Marconi and took up his first managing director role in 2002.

The South West is one of the IoD’s largest and most diverse regions with members drawn from sectors ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to aerospace, cyber, hospitality and tourism.

IoD South West is based at the University of the West of England in Bristol. The region’s branch structure aligns with its world-class universities to ensure it  fulfils its commitment to deliver ‘Tomorrow’s Director’. The leadership team is supported by a team of volunteer ambassadors, each focusing on key themes including diversity and inclusion, governance and policy, Chartered Director and skills and education.

Steve said: “Directors are emerging from a period of considerable change and there are still uncertain times ahead. However, our fantastic members continue to demonstrate incredible positivity and resilience, attributes that will stand them in good stead as we build towards a better and greener future.

“At the IoD, we believe that directors are stronger together. We will provide the connections, professional development and influence that will place our members at the forefront of the economic recovery.”

Steve has completed the IoD’s Diploma in Company Direction and went on to gain the coveted Chartered Director status.