THE Londonderry Chamber of Commerce has made Anna Doherty its new permanent chief executive after her having spend the last six weeks in an interim role.
A member of the Chamber staff since 2020 (she was previously its events manager), she has worked in the hospitality and tourism industries, having run her own food business. She also owned the Rusty Nail Pub & Hotel in Clonmany and worked for several membership, trade and awarding bodies, including BritishAmerican Business in London.
Ms Doherty said: “I’m extremely proud to have been appointed chief executive of the Chamber, and it’s an honour to represent some of Northern Ireland’s most creative and hard-working companies.
“North west businesses, like others across Northern Ireland, are struggling with the rising cost of energy, fuel, and materials. I understand totally the anxiety small business owners are facing, and now more than ever, the Chamber is doing all it can to deliver solutions for its members.
“Even in the face of an absent Executive, we will continue to press our elected representatives for action to support our economy, and the Chamber will work hard to give our members a voice and speak up to support our businesses.
“We’ve emerged from the pandemic only to be thrust into another crisis. It’s crucial everything possible is done now to ensure our hard work during Covid was not in vain. The north west’s potential is clear to see. I'm honoured to be leading the Chamber at a significant time and to help our region thrive.”
Chamber president Aidan O’Kane added: “Anna's competent leadership as interim chief executive over the past six months, as well as her dedication to the Chamber and our members over the past two and a half years, means this was an easy decision for the board.
“We look forward to working closely with Anna over the coming months to deliver for the north west, support our members, and continue to showcase our region as a leading location to live, work, and do business.”
