Dr. Richard Smith, COO & Director, 2M Holdings LtdRichard has spent over 36 years in the chemical industry (21 of which at board level). His roles haveseen him based in UK, The Netherlands and India with global responsibilities. He is currently the COOand Director of 2M Holdings Ltd, a portfolio of chemical manufacturing and distribution companies.

Richard brings his experience of running multinational companies and the ability to analyse complexsituation, simplify and then agree with stakeholders how to realise opportunities or address issues in atimely manner. One of his key values is “get things done”.

Corporate governance is very important to him and he actively assists the boards and organisations heworks with to really focus on the “how and why” we do things this way.

Richard has a PhD in organic chemistry from Liverpool University, UK and an MBA from WarwickBusiness School, UK. He is a Fellow and Chartered Director of the Institute of Directors, UK, a Fellowand Chartered Chemist of the Royal Society of Chemistry and an Associate Fellow of the Institution ofChemical Engineers.

Keith Morris, Chief Executive of an Economic Regeneration Charity

Keith is a Chartered Director who has been a Member of the IoD for almost 20 years and a Fellow forover ten. He has held senior positions across the private, public, and charity sectors ranging fromProduction Director in a manufacturing organisation to being a past Leader of Dover District Council tohis current role as Chief Executive of an Economic Regeneration Charity.

James Gardner, Managing Director, Sinclair & Rush UKJames has been in business for over 20 years and has successfully set up several new businessesincluding one overseas in America. He is on a mission to help grow the next generation of AmazingLeaders. James is also passionate about goal setting and encouraging people to set and exceed theirgoals in life!

Judges

Jules Quested-Williams, Director, Built for Marketing Limited

Jules is a highly skilled and experienced marketing and sales strategist within the built environment, building products and construction sector with a large and well-connected network.A proven and experienced motivator of people, she has held positions which include Sales &Marketing Director, Managing Director and more recently Director/owner of her own start upfrom 2008, Built for Marketing Limited.

As the business leader and an exceptional networker Jules has built her business and sector knowledge on firm foundations as an IoD Member and FIoD for 13 years. Jules was Kent Chair andrecently led a team in a project of major operational change within the IoD (BOM Project). Jules sits at board level on a consultancy basis for several companies, this also means she hasconnections within a number of associate bodies, this includes previously being the first womanexecutive of the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers. Jules manages several clients at board level atany one time, with clear instructions, actions, goals and reviews of objectives reached, that ensureshe oversees an effective delivery.

Jules really enjoys people and community engagement and is motivated by the challenges ofchange in business, particularly working as a team.

Alison Cryer, Founder & Managing Director, Representation Plus

Alison joined the IoD in 1988, when she set-up her first company at the recommendation of theManaging Director of Copthorne Hotels, where she was Marketing Director Worldwide and has beena member ever since often using the venue for events.

As an SME Representation Plus is a integrated marketing agency, primarily in the tourism, travel,hospitality and lifestyle industries, with growth enablers in over 10 countries worldwide shifting theworld for tomorrow's adventures as the face of modern representation. Over the past 30 years+ thecompany has worked for 70 global destinations, 50 hotels/hotel groups and more than 75 otherindustry entities representing them in the UK and for some across Europe.

In 2003 she bought CIB PR and Representation to expand following successful organic growth. Alisonbought First PR in 2012 to enhance their PR services including social media, digital and eventmanagement. On both occasions successfully merging the two teams.

In 2020 she launched Ezy Virtual Events to cope with the pandemic. This has grown to become EzyVirutal Solutions offering anything from virtual offices to workshops, award ceremonies andexhibitions for low carbon footprint single market or global events, and they have run over 20 eventsfor clients as well as weekly webinars.

Her husband worked with her for over five years and both sons have worked in the company at somestage, one is currently heading up business development, she therefore has experience of running a"family" business.

Alison runs the secretariat for two associations; antor and the Tourism Society with her team. Awarded the Woman's First Award for Leadership she went on to become one of People First's 100most influential women in the tourism, travel and hospitality industry. Alison is a Fellow of the TourismSociety and Institute of Travel and Tourism, was one of the first CIM chartered marketeers and is aFreeman of the Worshipful Company of Communicators. She is an Ambassador for the FamilyHolidays Association Charity.

Alison plays Real Tennis at Hampton Court Palace and is a travel and ski enthusiast.

Judges

Chisom Izu, Consultant, Chatbot Agency

Chisom Izu is a Consultant at the Chatbot Agency, Rytrack Solutions which was selected as one of thebest Marketing agencies that build Bots in the 2020 Bots Landscape. He is also the Founder at RytrackFoundation, a non profit, which works to keep young people on the right track to becoming productivemembers of society.

John Harte, Managing Partner, Integrity Governance

John leads a global team at Integrity Governance that is focused on making boards more effective.

A boardroom expert working with multinationals, SMEs, trade associations and not-for-profits, heprovides practical, impartial advice to directors, business owners, executives and CEOs, to help improveboard performance.

John and his team have advised the boards of organisations in the UK and around the world since hefounded Integrity Governance over 16 years ago.

He has 30 years of experience at director level in the corporate world, having worked at blue chipbusinesses including: Mars, Schroders and Goldman Sachs.

John is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (IoD) (UK); a Member of the Confederation of BritishIndustry (CBI) (UK), and the Chartered institute of Public Relations (CIPR) (UK); a Member of theChairman’s Network; a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Directors (where he facilitates training); aBoard Leadership Fellow at the National Association of Corporate Directors (US); and Member of theRoyal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) (UK).

He is an in-demand speaker and thought leader on board effectiveness, practical governance andbusiness disruption.

Helen Deverill, Marketing Director, Arena Business Centres

Helen is a member of the leadership team at Arena Business Centres. As Marketing Director, she isresponsible for all aspects of marketing including sales and marketing strategy, brand management, digitalmarketing and customer communications.

Helen joined Arena at its inception in 2003; it is now a leading workspace provider with a growingportfolio of 12 locations. Previous to Arena, Helen has worked in management roles at Dow JonesNewswires and Reed Elsevier working extensively across US and Europe.

Judges

Steve Malkin, CEO & Founder, Planet Mark

Since launching Planet Mark in 2013, Steve has worked with hundreds of businesses globally – of varyingsizes and industries– to harness their drive for meaningful change towards a brighter future.

Steve is inspired by the passion these organisations have in making a positive impact on planet andsociety in this critical Decade of Action. Through measuring and reducing their carbon emissions,alongside the measurement of their social value, these businesses are putting the future of our planet atthe heart of what they do.

Steve helps to empower and champion the companies who are making it their purpose to deliversignificant, long-term contributions to society and the environment. As a true optimist, Steve is known forthe powerful way in which he communicates climate change - not only by acknowledging the realities butalso conveying hope through the organisations and people who are igniting change.

We’re in a time of exciting change; where businesses, individuals, cities and countries are welcoming azero carbon revolution, allowing a cleaner and healthier planet for us and future generations.

Samantha Cooper, Associate Director, Smith & Williamson

Sam is an Associate Director in the Assurance and Business Services team at Smith & Williamson. She hasten years’ experience providing audit and advisory services to companies operating across a wide range ofsectors, from tech and media to property and construction. Sam’s client portfolio focuses on ambitious,entrepreneurial businesses often with an international reach.

Geoff Lawrence, Managing Director, Vistage UK & Ireland

As the Managing Director of Vistage UK & Ireland, Geoff focused on maximising the impact of Vistagemembership by ensuring members are equipped with the proper tools and resources to grow, develop,and succeed. By bringing in previously experienced and successful business leaders to guide them, Vistagemembers achieve exponential results.

Vistage is the world's largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organisation. For over 60 years, Vistage hashelped CEOs, MDs, and business owners reach new levels of success. Now, with over 24,000 members in25 countries, Vistage's unique approach to executive coaching helps executives grow their leadershipskills to improve their companies, lives, and communities.

The platform for success features five elements: a peer group built of non-competing, elite businessleaders that meet in a trusted environment monthly, an experienced guide who has 12-15 years of C-Level experience and a passion for mentoring others, guest speakers who are renowned thoughtleaders with expertise on today’s most essential business topics, world-class resources, and a globalnetwork of peers. It's a proven approach that helped member companies grow revenue 4.6% faster in2020, while non-member companies saw a revenue decrease of 4.7%.

Judges

Dev Govender, Senior Director, PwC

Dev is a Senior Director in Financial Services technology practice focussing on digital transformationfocussed on helping clients with their digital transformation journey through emerging technologies. Hehas 24 years’ experience in working for both as a business executive in Industry and Consulting aroundthe world. In the last 11 years he worked in Financial Services with multiple executive delivery roles.

Dev worked globally implementing large Technology-Led Transformation programs for various globalfortune 500 clients. He has also provided strategic application advice to many clients including advising onarchitecture, package selection and implementation methodologies. Prior to PwC, Dev worked atNedbank, Barclays Africa and IBM where he held executive positions.

Sue Nelson, Broadcaster & Entrepreneur

Sue is an award-winning businesswoman, broadcaster and speaker. She was the Founderand sole owner of the start-up and multiple award-winning Breakthrough Group, which was sold to EYfive years later in a multi-million pound deal in 2020. She regularly appears on national television andradio as an expert on entrepreneurship.

She is the Founder and sole owner of the multiple award-winning Breakthrough Group, which she grew from a two-person operation in her conservatory in 2015 to a highly profitable multi-million poundbusiness which she sold to EY (Ernst and Young) in 2020. In the process she was awarded the KentBusiness Woman of the Year and the London and South East Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors.

Sue has been a non-exec on a number of government bodies, a trustee of Lantra the land-based SectorSkills Council and a governor of the University of Creative Arts with Loyd Grossman. She is currently theChair and a Director of Produced in Kent.

Sue has appeared as a guest on every national television and radio news programme in the UK from CNN,Sky News, Radio 5 Live and Radio 4’s Today Programme to The Culture Show, BBC Breakfast and TheFood Programme and is the lead presenter of the weekly FoodTalk Radio Show which was named FoodRadio Broadcaster of the Year by Lux Life in 2020.

She is a member of the Guild of Food Writers and is the author of ten books including FoodTech UK andthe Fine Food Lover’s Guide with Simon Rimmer. She has also been a food columnist for a variety ofpublications including Speciality Food magazine.

She is a keen home cook and enjoys good wine and excellent company. The rest of her spare time is takenup with her grandchildren and pottering around her vegetable garden by the sea in Hythe.

Judges

Peter Digby, President, Xtrac Ltd

Xtrac is the world leader in the design and manufacture of gearboxes and transmission components forleading teams and manufacturers in Formula One, World Rally, IndyCar, Touring Cars and Sports Cars inaddition to a fast growing High Performance Automotive division.

Peter joined the company shortly after it was founded and has helped grow the business to over 365employees including setting up the award winning Xtrac Employee Benefit Trust. He was appointedPresident of Xtrac Ltd in 2018.

In 2017 Xtrac partnered with Inflexion Private Equity who are helping to fund Xtrac’s rapid expansionover the next three years, that has already seen the building of a large factory extension that was openedby the Rt Hon Theresa May Prime Minister in November 2017.

Peter is a past Chairman of the Motorsport Industry Association, a Director of the British Racing DriversClub and a Fellow of Institute of Directors.

Peter’s hobbies include skiing, boating, football and all forms of motorsport.

Andrew Griffiths, Finance Leader, Bristol Airport

Andrew is an experienced finance leader and has most recently held senior finance roles in businessesoperating across the retail, financial services, business services and marine sectors.

Prior to this Andrew spent 15 years at Manchester Airports Group, owners of Manchester, Stansted andEast Midlands Airports, where he held a number of finance leadership roles including Finance Director forManchester Airport, Finance Director for Group-wide Airport Operations and Group Financial Controller.

Andrew qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Mark Corderoy, Entrepreneur in Residence, University of the West of England

Mark is currently the Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of the West of England. He runs theLaunch Space incubator and the Bristol Robotics Laboratory’s Hardware Incubator. He has led severaltechnology start-ups in the engineering software sector, two of which were acquired. He is an advisor to anumber of growing start-ups.

Judges

Glenn St John-Colgan, Managing Director, Augmentas Group

Glenn has more than 30 years’ experience across the commercial business landscape, the majority ofwhich at director level within the public sector, private international organisations, and consultancies.He has extended this to supporting social enterprises as non-executive director and advising start-upbusinesses across all sectors.

He has had the wonderful opportunity to work with some of the best teams across public, private andthird sectors. And on the broadest of projects that include renovating the Houses of Parliament,delivering the 2011 Census, investing and guiding a market leading nursery for under 5s, our mostprecious gems, and, arguably the most important, helping the poorest of us assimilate back into societyfollowing custodial sentences, reducing reoffending.

As a Fellow of the institute of Directors and former Chair of Hampshire and Isle of White, he continuesto support the values of the Institute and how directors can still impact on society through greatleadership and decision making.

Jake Standing, Partner, Kreston Reeves

Jake initially joined Kreston Reeves (formerly Spofforths) in 2007, and qualified as a CharteredAccountant in 2012. Whilst training with the firm, Jake was awarded the Quilter Prize from the ICAEWfor achieving first place internationally in his final Business Reporting ACA paper.

Following qualification, Jake joined a multi-national commercial group, where he was responsible forimproving financial process and accelerating the consolidated financial reporting process ahead ofacquisition. In the enlarged group, Jake led the strategic planning, budgeting and reporting processes forthe Sales organisation, covering $1.5bn of revenue worldwide.

Jake returned to Kreston Reeves in Sussex as a Business Advisory Manager in 2016, and was invited tobecome a Partner in June 2018.

The ‘typical millennial’ – Jake is a great believer of business having a purpose, and is passionate about ourrole in enhancing our communities and our people. Jake is a proud Trustee for Martlets in Brighton andHove, and is a huge advocate of our wellbeing and sustainability initiatives at Kreston Reeves.

Tim Skeet, Career Banker, City of London

Tim has worked in the City for forty years in a variety of senior roles and is currently employed by a majorinternational bank as Senior Adviser. He has a background in international capital markets and finance,combined with media and communications work. He has led teams and navigated many businessrestructurings in the City.

He sat on the board of a trade association, advises or sat on the board of two City start-ups, and combinesa number of other activities, including the court of a livery company, executive committee of a politicalthink tank, chairs webinars on financial, geopolitical and other topics, gives university lectures, and in thepast chaired an aviation museum. He also writes on a variety of topics, recently publishing pieces in ‘The Banker’.

Tim is married with three adult children, works in French and German, and enjoys hiking in the mountains.

Judges