Sophie takes on senior branch manager role

The Institute of Directors has appointed Sophie Breeden as senior branch manager for the Midlands.

Sophie has been promoted from her previous role as branch manager for the West Midlands and takes on full-time responsibility for serving IoD members across the Midlands Engine region.

The role was previously held by fellow senior branch manager Rose Riley, who will now focus on the IoD’s Northern regions.

The IoD is run by directors, for directors. It provides connections, professional development and influence for leaders across the public, private and third sectors. The Institute helped to secure vital support during the Covid-19 pandemic, including financial assistance for wage bills and changes to insolvency rules. It continues to lobby government for further support for directors where it is needed most.

Gary Headland, chair of IoD East Midlands, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sophie to the role of senior branch manager for the IoD across the Midlands Engine region. Sophie knows the region very well having been the branch manager for the West Midlands. I look forward to working with Sophie to support our members across the region in line with the IoD’s Royal Charter.”

Brian Hall, chair of IoD West Midlands, said: “Having worked with Sophie over recent months she has been a credit to the IoD and a passionate advocate for our members in the region. It is great to see her positive attitude and undoubted contribution being recognised.”

Sophie said: “I am excited to build on the relationships that I have already established with members in the Midlands and look forward to welcoming directors back to our portfolio of industry leading events and training courses as restrictions are eased.”

The West Midlands region has recently undergone a restructure, with newly-formed branches for Greater Birmingham, Worcester and the Marches and the Black Country and Staffordshire, alongside the existing Coventry and Warwickshire branch.