Branch Chairmen

Lesley Clark is the Chair of the Edinburgh branch

Vice President - International Client Service, Weber Shandwick

LESLEY CLARK has been a PR/communications consultant since the early ’90s, specialising in commercial property, transport, corporate/professional services, financial and food and drink sectors, among others. She joined Weber Shandwick in 2000. Until recently she was Deputy MD of the Scottish business but has now taken on the role of Vice President International Client Service, and now largely focused on cross-border client business in PR, digital and public aff airs disciplines within our EMEA network of 69 offices.

Despite the busy career, she found time to work with the IoD. “I became involved with the IoD mainly for networking purposes, providing events that are of interest to an increasingly diverse membership. It’s been important during the recent economic climate, as I’ve found the networking events reassuring and
uplifting. It’s good to know that there is still business going on out there, and while Scotland has been (and will be further) particularly affected by public sector shrinkage, there is still a lot of interesting developments in the private sector. ”

“However, it’s not back to business as usual, and won’t ever be. Digitalisation of business communications in particular has changed the way businesses operate, and rather than wind the clock back, businesses are still getting used to a ‘new normal’. “Organisations are keen to return to growth, and the ones that recognise that their market profile has a big part to play in that, will be those that are more likely to succeed.”

And it’s here that the IoD’s role is key, says Lesley. “IoD has a very important role to play in the way businesses handle the current climate, by offering an opportunity for directors to share information,
contacts and challenges – it’s the only established platform that provides this broad sector-focused director interface nationally.

Away from work and the IoD, Lesley is interested in voluntary work and currently volunteers in a soup kitchen at weekends. She is the current chair of Scottish Public Relations Consultancy Association.

Stephen Budd is the Chaiman of the Highlands & Islands branch

STEPHEN BUDD has recently moved into the role of Chairman of the IoD in the Highlands and Islands and is looking forward to continuing its high profile work in this unique region. He is the co-founder of Highland Business Research, a specialist web analytics customer insight agency with an international client base and was one of the first web analysts in Scotland accredited by Google as one of their Google Analytics Partners.

Prior to starting Highland Business Research almost ten years ago, Stephen worked for the London Stock Exchange, managing and developing specialist information products for the UK financial services market. Away from work, he is a keen cricketer and printmaker. “I joined the IoD almost four years ago as it had the ideal package for me as a developing business leader. It seems broader in its outlook than other organisations and has considerable influence at both a national and UK level and knowing that I, as a member, can contribute meaningfully to that is important."

“The IoD team is Scotland is particularly strong and I know we will continue to play a role for our members that significantly reflects the realities of devolution. This means ensuring that our voice continues to be heard strongly at Holyrood and among other influencers as well as demonstrating our continued commitment to higher standards among Scotland’s directors.”

Stephen Westwood is the Chairman of the Fife branch

STEPHEN is a successful businessman and entrepreneur with an extensive track record of developing, growing and realising value for businesses of all sizes and across a range of sectors. His achievements have been built on over 30 years experience in bringing together people and money in a culture of enterprise to respond effectively to growing market needs. Roles have included roles as chairman representing investor interests, chief executive of companies in the medical devices and IT sectors, and finance director for companies in life sciences and engineering, as well as a number of consultancy and interim management assignments.

Most of his business career has been based in England, having relocated to Scotland in 2006 in the role of Chief Executive of a university spin-out which he had taken public in 2004. His current activities are very much based on growing businesses in the expanding renewable energy and digital media markets
He is the current Chair of the Fife branch of the IoD and he is also President of the St Andrews Business Club.

“I have been a member of the IoD for several years and became more actively engaged when I joined the Fife Committee three years ago, becoming chairman 18 months ago. This has created opportunities to meet and learn from inspiring businesses and people who I would not otherwise have met, which in turn has enabled me to broaden my range of business and personal contacts. In addition, this has opened doors to meet political and business leaders, and influence opinion, in a way that is unthinkable in England."

"In the current economic climate, enterprise is the key, and I think that the IoD can and should take a leading role in stimulating greater enterprise. This will be done through helping to create a climate in which enterprise becomes more highly appreciated and rewarded, in which we can help to impart the creativity, self-belief and confidence to achieve success. Within the IoD membership, we have a vast
range of acumen, intelligence, know-how and leadership skills to support others to achieve, whether in business, social enterprise or public bodies. I look forward to us making this stronger impact.”

Laura Gordon is the Chair of the Glasgow branch

LAURA is currently CEO of Corporate Connections International, a business advisory and executive growth consultancy based in Glasgow. Why join the IoD? “I am passionate about developing future leaders and specialise in maximising business success through high impact individual performance coaching and eff ective personal branding. I believe these values are aligned with those of the IoD and that the future
success of our economy lies firmly in the hands of our business leaders."

“The IoD is perfectly positioned to support our business leaders through identifying and providing training and development, offering high value networking and educational events and enabling members to reach out to political leaders to drive forward relevant and meaningful policy objectives. That’s why I was so delighted to take as Chairman of the IoD in Glasgow and the West of Scotland. We have an active and engaged membership and a dynamic committee representing all walks of business that are eager to support an invigorated and ambitious programme of events and activities over the next three years.”