13.2 C
Manchester
Saturday, June 7, 2025
AppointmentsIoD appoints Debbie Francis OBE as Manchester chair

IoD appoints Debbie Francis OBE as Manchester chair

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed one of the region’s leading business figures to chair its Greater Manchester branch.

Debbie Francis OBE joins as the IoD ramps up its support to help local directors to rebuild, recover from the pandemic and prosper.

Debbie is best known in Manchester and across the North of England for her vocal support for transport infrastructure investment in the North and the need for levelling up, alongside her efforts and strong advocacy for equality, diversity and inclusion.

She is the chair of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, and her business career has also included senior executive roles with Arcadis UK, Direct Rail Services, London North Western Route Finance and Network Rail.

She also holds several non-executive roles with organisations including Harwich Haven Authority, MDC Stockport, Loram UK, Penny Bridge Church of England Academy and Pave the Way. As well as her OBE, Debbie has several awards and honours recognising her contribution to business and the community including IoD North West Director of the Year for Inclusivity and Woman with Edge at the Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2019. She is currently working towards a PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University with leadership at the core of the research.

Debbie said: “It is a tremendous honour to become chair of an organisation that has represented directors for more than a century. Greater Manchester’s business community is diverse and resilient, and I am determined to give directors the tools and inspiration that they need to lead the UK economic recovery.”

Steve Bennett, chair of IoD North West, said: “We are delighted to secure Debbie to lead one of our biggest and most active branches. She will be the standard bearer for local directors, providing support where it is needed most along with inspiration through a programme of business events as we recover and rebuild the IoD across the region.”

Debbie will work alongside a team of branch ambassadors to provide local directors with connections, professional development, and an influential lobbying voice.

Latest

Bouquet basics for Dad: Flower expert shares how to make those Father’s Day blooms last

A flower expert has revealed his top tips for dads to look after their blooms if they receive them for Father’s Day. Colourful bouquets and...

The Kim Jong Un Billboard That’s Shaking Up Manchester’s Fashion Scene

An eye-catching new billboard in Manchester featuring North Korea’s leader is challenging norms—and turning sustainable fashion on its head. A giant image of Kim Jong...

Heat Engineer Software Limited receives significant investment from Greenarc

Heat Engineer Software, the Lancashire based company at the forefront of heat loss calculations and the sizing of both renewable and traditional heating equipment,...

Pioneering project to change way people travel in Britain

A pioneering project is set to transform how people explore and move across Britain and Ireland. Slow Ways, a non-profit Community Interest Company, has already...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Pioneering project to change way people travel in Britain

A pioneering project is set to transform how people explore and move across Britain and Ireland. Slow Ways, a non-profit Community Interest Company, has already...

The Kim Jong Un Billboard That’s Shaking Up Manchester’s Fashion Scene

An eye-catching new billboard in Manchester featuring North Korea’s leader is challenging norms—and turning sustainable fashion on its head. A giant image of Kim Jong...

Bouquet basics for Dad: Flower expert shares how to make those Father’s Day blooms last

A flower expert has revealed his top tips for dads to look after their blooms if they receive them for Father’s Day. Colourful bouquets and...

Heat Engineer Software Limited receives significant investment from Greenarc

Heat Engineer Software, the Lancashire based company at the forefront of heat loss calculations and the sizing of both renewable and traditional heating equipment,...

More News

Heat Engineer Software Limited receives significant investment from Greenarc

Heat Engineer Software, the Lancashire based company at the forefront of heat loss calculations and the sizing of both renewable and traditional heating equipment,...

Sale Sharks signs new wellbeing partner

Sale Sharks are delighted to announce Altius Healthcare as the club’s new official health and wellbeing partner.  With six clinics based around Greater Manchester, Altius’s...

Gibanks accelerates growth with a senior appointment

Premium serviced office provider Gilbanks is supporting its growth plans with the appointment of Joanna Pawlikowski to the new role of head of commercial. Joanna...