RICHARD Gillan will take over as the new chair of CBI Northern Ireland on September 1.
Managing partner at Grant Thornton Northern Ireland and former chair of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society, he has been the CBI NI vice-chair since the beginning of this year.
Current chair Elaine Birchall, who is one of the north’s leading business figures, will become vice-chair.
Both will both continue to work closely with CBI NI director Angela McGowan to help firms tackle local economic challenges arising from high inflation, low growth and the lack of a functioning Executive.
Angela said: “I congratulate Richard on his appointment. As vice-chair, he has brought experience and knowledge of the business community and will be another outstanding chair of CBI Northern Ireland.
“With his broad range of sectoral knowledge, Richard will continue to be a fantastic advocate for ‘Northern Ireland plc’ at a time when businesses continue to face continued economic challenges and political instability.”
Richard, who is married with a young son and lives in Bangor, said: “I’m delighted to be appointed and look forward to working closely with Angela and the team to tackle the pressing challenges for local firms.”
A Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland, Richard recently completed a Harvard Business School Leadership Programme.
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. He led the company into several new geographic territories and secured significant revenue and profit growth prior to a successful sale.
Nine years ago, Richard joined Grant Thornton Northern Ireland and was appointed managing partner in 2015, overseeing an eightfold 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.
