RICHARD Gillan, managing partner at Grant Thornton in Belfast, has been chosen as next in line to chair the CBI in Northern Ireland.
He has been appointed as regional vice-chair of CBI, where he will play a key role supporting current chair Elaine Birchall and the business organisation's Northern Ireland director Angela McGowan, before taking on the chairman's role himself in 2024-2025.
A graduate in accountancy from Queen’s University, he has extensive experience of operating internationally, having worked in London, Luxembourg, and Johannesburg for several high-profile firms.
He also has business ownership experience under his belt, having acquired a manufacturing firm in 2004, leading it into several new geographic territories and securing significant revenue and profit growth prior to a successful sale.
Nine years ago, Richard joined Grant Thornton Northern Ireland. Appointed managing partner in 2015, he has since overseen a sevenfold rise in revenues.
Richard has significant experience of advising corporates on strategic and corporate finance matters including acquisitions, restructuring, disposals, finance raising, valuations and shareholder issues. He also regularly advises banks and private equity firms on their proposed investments. He was chair of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society in 2019/2020.
Angela McGowan said: “I'm excited to be working with Richard in 2023. I have no doubt his vast leadership experience and his contribution to the success of Grant Thornton in Northern Ireland will leave him perfectly placed to help the local business community rise to the economic challenges that they currently face.
“With his broad range of sectoral knowledge, Richard will be a fantastic advocate for Northern Irish firms and the wider economy.”
Chair Elaine Birchall, who is chief executive of the SHS Group, added: “It will be great to have the support of Richard in the year ahead with his vast experience of leading teams, and his demonstrable success when it comes to business growth.
“Richard is a highly regarded member of the local business community and his insights and experience will undoubtedly serve the CBI very well in what is a very challenging time for local businesses.”
Richard said: “It's a privilege to be appointed vice-chair this year and I am looking forward to working with Angela, Elaine and the wider CBI team to address the issues that matter to the Northern Ireland business community.
“I am acutely aware of the challenges that local companies face in terms of cost pressures, access to skills and political uncertainty, but I am also confident that, with the right ambition and conducive policy support, Northern Ireland’s economy can thrive.
“My role is to ensure local companies and policy-makers grasp all the prevailing opportunities that are open to them. With good collaboration, Northern Ireland can create a thriving and ambitious economy that will attract both investment and people.”
