Institute of Directors reveals Ammar Mirza CBE as new branch chair

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed serial entrepreneur Ammar Mirza CBE as chair of its newly-formed North East (North) branch.

An award-winning leadership and business management consultant through his company AmmarM (UK), Ammar has investments across many sectors and industries and has helped establish hundreds of new businesses.

His appointment follows the merger of the IoD’s Yorkshire and North East regions to create a powerful lobbying voice for the North. The enlarged region has six branches that support local business communities.

Speaking about his new role, Ammar said: “I am excited to be appointed and look forward to making a positive impact.

“I want to work collaboratively with local businesses to promote our dynamic and innovative region, to ensure its voice is heard in the corridors of power and to further enhance the IoD’s offer.”

Jon Geldart, IoD regional chair, added: “I’m very much looking forward to working with Ammar – his track record in business speaks for itself.

“This is an exciting time for the IoD in the North East and Ammar’s enthusiasm and passion for business will help us to inspire even more business leaders.”

Chairman and founder of not-for-profit Asian Business Connexions CIC, Ammar is also known for being a board member of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and chair of Newcastle Progression Forum.

He is also visiting professor of innovation and enterprise at Newcastle University Business School, chair of the Federation of Asian Business, and founder of the SME Centre of Excellence.

Karl Pemberton, managing director of Thornaby-based Active Chartered Financial Planners, was named chair of the IoD’s North East (South) branch, which covers the Tees Valley, last month.

The IoD’s other four branches are North, East, South and West Yorkshire.