Poonam Kaur appointed Yorkshire & the Humber regional chair for the Institute of Directors
The Editor
Award-winning corporate finance boutique fds is proud to announce that its CEO, Poonam Kaur, has been appointed regional chair for Yorkshire & the Humber at the Institute of Directors (IoD), marking a significant milestone in her career and further strengthening her connection to the regional business community.
With over 25 years’ experience in corporate finance and accounting, Poonam has built a reputation as a trusted partner to owner-managed businesses navigating growth, succession planning and exit strategies. Her appointment reflects both her longstanding commitment to supporting business leaders and her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing companies across the region.
The IoD’s evolving regional structure is designed to strengthen engagement with directors and ensure greater support for local business communities. In her new role, Poonam will play a key part in shaping this agenda across Yorkshire & the Humber, working closely with business owners, directors and policymakers to champion sustainable growth and strong governance.
Poonam has been actively involved with the IoD for several years, previously serving as chair for West Yorkshire and supporting the organisation’s mission to develop, connect and influence directors.
Alongside her role at the IoD, Poonam leads fds, where she advises shareholders and management teams on a broad range of strategic matters, including mergers and acquisitions, employee ownership transitions, robust company valuations, and board-level development. She also serves across a number of boards as a non-executive director and trustee, bringing practical, hands-on insight into governance, leadership and value creation.
Commenting on her appointment, Poonam said: “It’s a real privilege to take on the role of regional chair for Yorkshire & the Humber. This region is home to a diverse and ambitious business community, and I’m passionate about supporting directors and owners as they navigate the challenges of growth, succession and long-term planning.
Through both the IoD and my work with fds, I’ve seen firsthand how the right guidance, networks and governance structures can transform outcomes for businesses and their people. I’m looking forward to working with fellow directors across the region to share knowledge, strengthen connections and support sustainable success.”
Poonam’s career spans advising organisations across multiple industries, from SME owner-managed businesses to global companies, supporting them through complex transactions and long-term strategic planning. Her contribution to the business community has been widely recognised, including being named Businesswoman of the Year at the Signature Awards, Leeds City Region Leader at the Northern Leadership Awards and inclusion in the Northern Power Women Power List. She has also been shortlisted for multiple leadership and director-level awards, underlining her impact across the region.
