Institute of Directors names Karl Pemberton as chair of new North East (South) branch

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has named Karl Pemberton as chair of its newly-formed North East (South) branch.

His appointment follows the merger of the IoD’s Yorkshire and North East regions to create an increased lobbying voice for the North.

In addition to IoD North East (South), a chair will soon be announced for the IoD North East (North) branch. The other four branches are North, East, South and West Yorkshire.

Managing director of Thornaby-based Active Chartered Financial Planners, Karl began his career at Yorkshire Bank in 1995, where he quickly moved up the ladder to become a private banking manager for high-net worth customers.

This was followed by two years at RBS as an investment banking manager, before he joined Active in 2007.

He is a Chartered Fellow of the IoD and judge for the region’s Director of the Year Awards.

A trustee of the Middlesbrough & Teesside Philanthropic Foundation and Galileo Multi Academy Trust, he is also an alumnus of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Programme, based at Leeds University Business School.

He has taken on several fundraising challenges, most recently reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro in aid of mental health charity MIND, having previously spoken publicly about his personal experience of mental health in the workplace.

Referring to his IoD appointment, Karl said: “I feel humbled to have been selected for this position and proud to be representing such a vibrant area for business.

“Exciting times lie ahead as we appoint a board of ambassadors from the regional business community to drive the IoD forward and ensure that the voice of local businesses is heard loud and clear by politicians and policy makers.”

Jon Geldart, IoD regional chair, added: “The IoD exists to inspire business with knowledge, guidance and support. Karl is the ideal person to take on this role.

“Anyone who has heard him speak will understand his passion for doing business the right way.”

Dr Joanna Berry, IoD regional vice-chair and associate professor in entrepreneurship at Durham University Business School, said Karl will be a “positive” for the IoD going forward.

She said: “My congratulations to Karl on this well-deserved appointment.

“He will be a significant and positive addition to the IoD’s representation in the North East and I’m looking forward to working alongside him.”