The Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) has appointed Emily Poon as its new CEO. Poon’s appointment comes after an “extensive search over several months,” says SID.
Poon will join SID as CEO-designate from March 1. She will take over from outgoing CEO Terence Quek from May 1.
Poon, who was formerly President of Ogilvy Public Relations’ Asia Pacific business, comes with over 20 years of experience. She is an accredited director and a member of SID and, according to SID, contributes to shaping governance standards across corporate, academic and public sector platforms.
SID chair Yeoh Oon Jin says he is looking forward to working with Poon on advancing SID’s mission of transforming boards and empowering directors to be champions of good governance.
“I believe we have found the right person in Emily with her strong track record in leadership roles, deep expertise in engaging diverse stakeholders, building trusted communities and partnerships, as well as her advisory experience in boards and governance-related areas,” he says.
Poon adds that she looks forward to “listening closely to our members, engaging our partners, and building on the strong foundation and momentum laid by Terence and the team. My focus remains on supporting our members, nurturing a strong community of directors, and growing SID’s ecosystem of partnerships and influence in Singapore and internationally.”
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Yeoh also thanked Quek for his service over the past four years. During his tenure, SID’s membership grew to 5,500 from 3,300. The number of activities for members also more than doubled. Under his watch, the SID also launched the SID Accreditation Programme, SID Chairpersons Guild, and SID Board Academy, among other initiatives.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve SID over the past few years as its CEO. I have received tremendous support from the council, volunteers, partners and the executive team - all of whom have helped us build on the strong foundation laid by many since 1998 to bring SID to where it is today,” says Quek.
“SID is a national institution that not only serves its members, uplifts the directorship community, but also actively contributes to the ecosystem locally and beyond. I am confident that Emily and team will do a stellar job bringing the institution forward, and I look forward to continue serving the institution in my capacity as its member,” he adds.
