The head of PwC’s Northern Ireland operation Caitriona (Cat) McCusker has been named as the new president of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The regional market leader succeeds Henderson Foodservice boss Cathal Geoghegan to become the 178th president of the business body.
The appointment was ratified at NI Chamber’s annual general meeting in Belfast on Friday.
Kailash Chada, group chief executive at Phoenix Energy, was named the new vice president at the same meeting.
Ms McCusker heads a team of more than 3,700 PwC employees in the north.
She is also the education consulting leader for PwC’s Europe, Middle East and Africa region.
The Ulster University graduate’s background includes roles with major organisations across local government, central government and the police.
“Taking on the chain of office, which has been worn by some of this region’s most esteemed business leaders over more than two centuries is a privilege and certainly, a career highlight for me,” said the PwC boss.
“Right now, businesses of all sizes face many well documented challenges but there is also a wealth of untapped potential in our economy.
“With the right combination of strategic direction from policy makers and collaboration with businesses, there is so much we can achieve in partnership.
“As president of NI Chamber, I look forward to working with the board, Executive team and members across Northern Ireland to ensure that the experience and ideas of business leaders are heard and acted upon and that some of the game-changing measures needed to support high-growth sectors are prioritised.”
Speaking after his appointment was confirmed, Kailash Chada said: “With a restored executive and a general election coming soon, this is an important juncture for business.
“NI Chamber has a vital role to play in helping to reset the relationship between industry and policy makers by facilitating the widest and deepest collaboration possible.
“As we look to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the energy transition, our unique market access and strength in high-growth sectors, it is an exciting time to hold this position and something I am certainly excited to be involved with.”
