SHELAGH MASON is the first woman to head Guernsey’s Institute of Directors. She has taken over from advocate Ian Kirk, who spent two years as chairman.

Mrs Mason, a commercial property lawyer practising at Mason & Co. Solicitors said it was an honour to take on the role as she becomes the first woman to hold the post not only in Guernsey, but in any offshore jurisdiction.

‘I think it’s just a sign that the world is catching up. It’s nice to be the first and I hope I can do justice to the position.’

Mrs Mason now chairs an IoD committee comprising 11 prominent representatives of industry, finance and construction, a number of whom are females.

She said she was very aware of the responsibilities of the role.

‘The island and its business community are at a critical phase with the introduction of zero-10, the need for continued economic growth and the initiatives like the Strategic Economic Plan, yet we have the contradictory messages of the population debate.

‘We need to put forward the views of our members to protect the prosperity of business in Guernsey – not just the finance industry, but recognise the facilitating role that industry plays for so much of the economy.’

Mrs Mason worked as a lawyer in the UK until 1999 when she moved to Guernsey and took up the role as chief executive of Long Port Properties.

In 2001 she left and went back into private practice when she set up Mason & Co.

As well as an increased level of responsibility, Mrs Mason hoped to get some level of satisfaction from the role, because she believes the IoD has a voice to which the States is keen to listen.

‘Hopefully I’ll get a lot of satisfaction out of it, but it’s more a case of what people expect of me and how I can assist to bring the views of the business community to the fore at both a States level and to the general public.

‘I think the IoD is very influential. Politicians not only listen to what we say, but they seek active discussion with us.

‘They realise we represent business across the board and not just one sector.’

Mrs Mason’s appointment coincides with great interest in the IoD as the body has now reached its 500th local member.

‘Quite an achievement given the size of our community,’ she said.