Sally Thompson

Head of Business, Commercial and Skills

Sally Thompson joined EM3 in January 2023 as Head of Business, Commercial and Skills.

She brings with her a wealth of experience having previously founded and led as Chief Executive Business South, representing business from across Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset, Sussex and Surrey.

While there, Sally brought together cross-sector businesses and stakeholders to influence the commissioning of a Master Plan for the regeneration of Southampton City Centre, which brought over £3bn investment, and a catalyst for over 20,000 jobs.

Prior to this, Sally, who won Wessex Businesswoman of the Year, facilitated the creation and development of a marine cluster on the Isle of Wight and a composites cluster in the Solent region, and more recently was the Project Manager for the heritage-led regeneration of Ryde High Street, a collaboration between Historic England, Isle of Wight Council and Ryde Town Council.

Prior to joining EM3 she was Economic Development Manager at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.