The Institute of Directors in Ireland (IoD), the membership body representing 3,000 directors and business leaders, today announced that Mr Harry Lorton was appointed President of the Institute of Directors in Ireland at the Institute’s AGM this evening.
He succeeds Dr Michael Somers, following the completion of Dr Somer’s two-year term leading the Council of the Institute.
On his appointment, Mr Lorton commented:
“The importance of good governance and the need for informed, qualified directors cannot be overstated. In this regard, upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation should be paramount.
"As Ireland’s leading advocate for best practice in corporate governance, the Institute of Directors in Ireland provides training, resources, expert speaker events and peer networking opportunities for the sharing of knowledge and insights".
Mr Lorton went on to say:
"I am delighted to take up the role of President of the IoD for the next two years and look forward to meeting many of the key decision makers and business leaders in Ireland, who comprise the 3,000 members of our organisation."
A member of the Institute since 1995, he serves as Chairman of Bank of Ireland Mortgage Bank, of Independent Trustee Company Limited, of Johnson & Perrott Motor Group and of the Supervisory Committee at Royal Liver Assurance Sub-Fund, part of the Royal London Group.
Educated at CBC, Cork, at Trinity College Dublin and at Harvard Business School, Harry is a Certified Bank Director and is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and of the Institute of Banking.
He worked for over 30 years in the banking industry in Ireland, including 11 years as CEO of Cork & Limerick Savings Bank, TSB Bank and Permanent TSB. After his retirement from Permanent TSB in 2002, he began what he describes as a "second career" as a Non-executive Director and Chairman in a wide variety of companies, both within financial services and also across other sectors. He has a particular focus on best Governance practice, which he believes can help organisations deliver superior long-term business performance.
Also at today’s AGM, Mr Gary Kennedy and Ms Helen Nolan were elected to the Council of the IoD.
Mr Kennedy is Chairman of Greencore plc, Green REIT plc and Connect Group plc. Mr Kennedy has extensive board experience and previously served on the boards of Elan plc, Allied Irish Banks and the IDA. He was a Government-appointed Director of IBRC.
Ms Nolan has been Secretary to the board of Bank of Ireland Group since 2009. She is also a member of the Group Risk Policy Committee and a Trustee of the Bank Staff Pension Fund. She was Group Chief Internal Auditor from 2003 to 2009. Helen is a non-executive director of Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services and is Chairman of the Audit Committee. She joins the board of Total Produce as a non-executive director with effect from 1 July 2019.