Ann Budge, CEO of Sopra Group (in the UK), has been appointed to the main board of Intellect, the UK trade body for the IT, telecoms and electronics industry.  The appointment is for the next three years.

The main board of Intellect is the ultimate decision making body for the UK trade association.  It is made up of the legal directors of the Company (Intellect), as well as top executives from the worlds leading IT, telecommunications and electronics companies, representing all areas of the industry.  The role of the main board is to lay down the strategy and vision of the trade association and is the main political lobbying body for the industry.  It meets regularly to set the strategy and policy for the trade association to ensure that it is an effective body representing the interests of its diverse member base.

"Sopra Group is a UK-wide business, so it is important to be represented at a national level." commented Budge.  "Intellect plays an important role in representing the interests of the UK's IT industry.  Amongst other things it's an effective lobbying body and ensures the importance of the ICT industry to the UK economy is recognised at all levels in Government.  As one of the UK's fastest growing IT companies, we are committed to being at the forefront of industry developments so I am excited about getting involved at this level."

In its 22-year history, Sopra Group has always played an active role in the UK's IT trade bodies and has been a member of Intellect since its inception.  Ann is also currently on the board for Scotland IS, the trade association for Scotland's IT sector.

John Park, Intellect company secretary, commented: "We are delighted to have elected Ann to the main board this year.  Both Ann and her company have a great track record in the IT industry so she will be a great asset to the board.  Members play an important role in shaping and improving the industries we represent so we need strong figure-heads like Ann."