The Institute of Directors (IoD) has announced that Stephen Martin, currently chief executive of the Clugston Group, has been selected to replace Simon Walker as as the body’s director general, when following Mr Walker’s term of office which ends towards the end of this year.

Mr Martin has led the Clugston Group, a large privately-owned construction, logistics and property company based in Scunthorpe, since 2006.

During this time, the firm has featured in The Sunday Times Profit Track 100, The Sunday Times Top Track 250, and been celebrated in the London Stock Exchange’s 1,000 Companies To Inspire Britain report.

Originally from Northern Ireland, he has been recognised personally with several construction industry awards, and has been highly commended twice in the IoD’s own Director of the Year Awards. In 2009, Stephen took part in the Channel 4 TV show, Undercover Boss, which saw him going incognito in his own company to learn what employees really thought of the firm.

Lady Barbara Judge, Chairman of the IoD, congratulated Stephen on his appointment: “I am very pleased we have found such a strong leader to take over as Director General at the IoD. He has demonstrated his commercial ability at large and small companies over many years and will continue the excellent work of Simon Walker in making sure we continue to provide the best possible support, training and representation for British business leaders.

“Stephen is a long-standing IoD Fellow who has played an active part in the business community in Yorkshire and the Humber. He understands the challenges faced by company directors across the UK and I look forward to working closely with him as we help our members adapt to the new world we find ourselves in after the Brexit vote.”

Simon Walker, who has been director general of the IoD since 2011, also welcomed his successor: “Many congratulations to Stephen on his appointment. The last five years have been a tumultuous time for businesses, but the IoD is in very good shape to support members through the challenging times ahead. I have every confidence that Stephen, working alongside Barbara, will be able to take the organisation to even greater heights.”

Mr Martin himself said: “I am very excited to be taking on this new challenge at the IoD, working together with Lady Judge to make sure we are the organisation of choice for all company directors. I have found the support IoD membership provides invaluable in my role running a business based in North Lincolnshire, and want to further strengthen the Institute’s position in all regions and nations of the UK. The IoD’s mission to provide excellent professional development for directors is hugely important to ensuring British companies are well-run, and I look forward to continuing innovation in director training.”

The Clugston Group board has commenced the process of identifying a successor to Mr Martin who will continue to run the company.