The Singapore Institute of Directors has appointed Emily Poon as its new Chief Executive Officer following an extensive search process spanning several months.
Poon will join the institute as CEO-designate from 1 March and will formally assume the role from 1 May, succeeding Terence Quek.
She brings more than two decades of experience and deep regional expertise, having most recently served as former President, Asia Pacific, at Ogilvy Public Relations. An Accredited Director and member of SID, Poon is actively involved in advancing governance standards across corporate, academic and public-sector platforms. Her appointments include roles on the Industry Advisory Council at the National University of Singapore (Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences), the Families for Life Council under Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development, and the executive committee of the Leading Executives and Directors Alumni Group at Singapore Management University.
SID Chair Yeoh Oon Jin said the Council was looking for a leader with strong regional experience, a commitment to SID’s mission and the ability to strengthen governance standards in Singapore and the region.
“We believe we have found the right person in Emily, given her proven leadership track record, deep expertise in engaging diverse stakeholders and advisory experience in board and governance matters,” he said.
Poon said she was delighted to join SID, noting her long-standing affiliation with the organisation as a member and Accredited Director.
“I look forward to working with the Council and team at a time when the role of directors is becoming more complex and critical in a rapidly changing world,” she said, adding that her focus would be on supporting members, strengthening the director community and expanding SID’s partnerships and influence locally and internationally.
Yeoh also paid tribute to outgoing CEO Terence Quek, thanking him for his service over the past four years. During his tenure, SID’s membership grew from 3,300 to more than 5,500, while activities for members more than doubled. Key initiatives launched under his leadership included the SID Accreditation Programme, the SID Chairpersons Guild and the SID Board Academy. SID also strengthened its regional and global profile, hosting the Global Network of Director Institutes meeting in Singapore for the first time.
Quek said it had been a privilege to lead SID and expressed confidence in the organisation’s future under Poon’s leadership.
