Ian Graves named Director of the Year

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity board member, Ian Graves, has been named the West Midlands Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors.

Ian, who is the director in charge of European Business Development at the National Grid, has supported Midlands Air Ambulance in a voluntary capacity since April 2013.

The IoD judges praised Ian’s vision, clear strategy, entrepreneurial spirit, confidence and drive. 

They specifically applauded his contribution to a £800 million project, whereby he secured a major joint venture between National Grid with French energy supplier RTE.

Hanna Sebright, chief executive of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Ian’s contribution to our work has been invaluable. His business expertise is a great boon for the charity, as is his commitment and passion. 

“We’re in no way surprised that Ian’s work has been recognised with this prestigious honour and we are very proud to boast him as a member of our board.”

Ian said: “I’m delighted to accept this award, though I must give credit to my team who have achieved some remarkable accomplishments in the last few years. 

“Similarly, I’d like to thank everyone at Midlands Air Ambulance for letting me be part of an extraordinary charity. 

“Every day the team works so hard on behalf of the people of the Midlands and it’s a great privilege to be able to contribute in my own small way to the work of this astonishing lifesaving charity.”

Judges also praised Ian’s commitment to his team's career development and his determination to promote diversity in order to establish a workforce that reflects the community it serves.

In addition, they noted that Ian reflected the IoD's ethos of strong corporate governance, ensuring health and safety standards were the highest in the sector and that the company matched its stated goals on corporate social responsibility.