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Debbie Richardson retires from Deputy Chairman of the board at Lhasa Limited.

Debbie has been a member of Lhasa Limited’s board since 2011, supporting the organisation in its growth and witnessing many successes during this time. This article reflects on Debbie’s time with Lhasa Limited.

What is your professional background?

I did a PhD in Biochemistry and then went into Information Technology. I started as a programmer and then became an analyst, project manager and eventually an IT Director. I worked in a range of industries and was always keen to understand the processes around how things worked whether it was a factory or a business process.

Why did you decide to become a Lhasa Limited Board Member?

I was approached about it and thought it would be a good way to get involved in the way an organisation works. It was also a good opportunity to use both my scientific background and professional skills, but in an entirely different field and environment from my professional one, which was great.

What would you say has been your biggest achievement at Lhasa?

I was Chairman of the Lhasa Board when Lhasa’s previous CEO David Watson decided to retire, so I worked with Lhasa’s Senior Management Team and the Board to recruit a new person. I have been honoured to serve the Board in many roles- Deputy Chair, Chairman and Immediate Past Chair.

What have you enjoyed most about your role?

Meeting and mixing with Board members and employees at Lhasa. The Board has members with very diverse experiences which have been wonderful to learn about.

What have you found most challenging about your role?

We met only once every 3 months and if you were to miss a meeting, it felt like a long time to be out of touch with the rest of the Board. Another challenge, was the responsibility of recruiting a new CEO, this process began after I had retired from my professional role, so I had to remember all the elements associated with recruitment.

What is the one piece of wisdom or advice you would leave?

Make use of all the diverse skills of the Board members, they all have valuable experience that benefit Lhasa.

What are you going to get up to in your spare time?

I already manage to fill my spare time having retired in 2015, however, I have agreed to join the Board of another organisation, Farfield Mill, which is associated with textiles and weaving, where my role will involve ensuring that an old working mill is retained and used.

We wish Debbie every success in the future and offer thanks for her valuable input to the organisation during her time on the board.