Tribute as IoD’s regional director decides to leave

The 42-year-old businessman said he wanted to get “a degree of balance and focus” in his life after two years of juggling various commitments.

Simon Walker, director general of the Institute of Directors, said: “I would like to thank Kenton for all of his hard work.

“He has been an excellent ambassador for the region’s vibrant business community, and has done a great deal to increase the institute’s profile and promote the work we do to ensure our business leaders are of the highest quality.”

Mr Robbins said the IoD has re-established itself in Yorkshire over the last two years, is well connected in regional and national government and is starting to focus on the needs of its 2,000 regional members.

“As a part-time role it’s difficult when you hold a portfolio of different business interests to dedicate the right amount to it,” he added.

Mr Robbins said it is the right time for the IoD to find someone else to take on the regional role with the business group planning strategic changes over the coming year, including the launch of a new committee in South Yorkshire and the potential for devolving resources.

He has also sold his franchise in The Alternative Board business support network.

“If you’re in a post like (regional director), you either do it well or you don’t do it,” said Mr Robbins, who has served on IoD committees for six years.

“We represent members and are expected to be highly professional and dedicated to what we do. It’s absolutely fundamental if you do it, you do it to the best of your capability. The time commitment that’s needed going forward isn’t necessarily in balance with my other interests.”

He said he will become managing director of Rilwood Associates, an executive search consultancy in Leeds, and maintain his non-executive roles with the Rebuilding Society crowdfunding platform and social enterprise Engaging Education.

He has also worked with a youth enterprise bank in Hull and a programme to support business internships in Sheffield.

Mr Robbins said new chairwoman Suzy Brain England OBE, who replaced Margaret Wood, has “taken the position and grabbed hold of it by the scruff of the neck”.

He added that Ms England’s diverse public and private sector background is an asset to the IoD and praised her understanding of committee structure and board governance.

The IoD in Yorkshire has around 60 committee members, who are volunteers.

Mr Robbins said the Yorkshire economy is “holding steadfast” and “a lot more encouraging than you would probably have believe”. He added: “We have some businesses regionally that are doing exceptionally well.”

“Nobody is singing from the rafters about knocking the lights out, but there is some really good anecdotal evidence.

“If I listen to what I’m told, things are improving. I’m always slightly sceptical and try to lag behind slightly.”

Mr Robbins is an engineer by training and worked at a wide range of food companies.