The Institute of Directors has selected Jersey-based corporate governance specialist Charlotte Valeur as its new Chair.
Charlotte has held seven directorships at public companies, including three as Chair, over the past decade. With a background in finance, including stints at Societe Generale, BNP-Paribas and SG Warburg, Charlotte has experience in a range of sectors, from property and infrastructure to renewable energy.
Her board appointments have included Jersey-based investment company 3i Infrastructure and Kennedy Wilson Europe Real Estate, where she oversaw an $8bn merger with the firm’s US-listed parent company. Charlotte’s unlisted experience includes a Non-Executive Directorship of international engineering firm Laing O’Rourke.
Originally from Copenhagen and able to speak six languages, Charlotte is a specialist in corporate governance, founding and running her own advisory firm, the Global Governance Group.
She is also a keen advocate for diversity in the boardroom and founded Board Apprentice, a non-profit organisation that gives individuals hands-on experience at the top of business.
Stephen Martin, Director General of the IoD, commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Charlotte as our new Chair. She brings with her an impressive range of experience, gained by leading businesses of different sizes and sectors. This will put her in tune with the breadth of IoD members.
"As a member herself for over a decade, Charlotte possesses a first-hand understanding of what the Institute can and should be providing for the Director of today.
"Charlotte doesn’t just talk the talk when it comes to diversity. With Board Apprentice she's already made a genuine difference, and I’m sure she will continue in this vein as Chair of the IoD.”
Charlotte said: “It’s a privilege to be appointed Chair at such an historic institution. But more than this, I see it as an exciting opportunity to contribute to the IoD as it embraces the needs of the modern business leader.
“It’s imperative that people of all backgrounds know the world of business is not a closed shop, and the IoD has a major part to play in achieving this. Firms draw strength from their diversity of perspective, while the good standing of business leaders in society relies upon the route to the top being open to all.
“Good corporate governance is not only fundamental to the IoD’s charter, but is also one of the UK’s prime assets in the global marketplace. I look forward to continuing the IoD’s work providing first-class professional development for Directors and leading the governance policy debate.”