BANKER Adrian Doran has taken over the chair's role at business lobby group the CBI in Northern Ireland.
He succeeds Fane Valley chief executive Trevor Lockhart, and he'll be in the post for the whole of 2020.
Adrian is widely recognised as one of the most highly respected bankers in the north, having led Barclays’ corporate banking business since 2000.
Under his leadership Barclays has become a major player in the local market, having led some of the largest financing transactions for many of the north’s leading companies.
He originally trained as a chartered accountant with PwC before spending four years in Bank of Ireland’s corporate banking team.
Adrian has been a member of the CBI Council in Northern Ireland for six years and has previously chaired the regional infrastructure forum. He is also a member of Senate of Queen’s University.
He said: “I’m thrilled to be appointed to this prestigious role – notably at a time when Northern Ireland’s business community continues to endure a considerable period of challenge and uncertainty.
“The CBI plays a critical role representing businesses of all shapes and sizes here. As a region powered by thriving small and mid-sized firms, it’s more important than ever to have their needs represented at the highest level of policy and decision making.
“I look forward to working closely with colleagues on the Council and the CBI team, building on their fantastic work. I would also like to thank Trevor Lockhart for his wisdom and wise counsel over the last two years of business and political uncertainty. Like him, I will ensure the voice of business in this region continues to get heard during the coming months.”
CBI regional director Angela McGowan said: “Adrian brings a wealth of corporate and business experience at what is a pivotal time for local firms, who are looking for political stability and certainty to grow the local economy and raise people’s living standards.
“His strong voice will help the CBI represent the views of businesses to policy-makers across a wide range of issues – from education and skills, trade, and tax, to infrastructure, innovation and energy. I look forward to working together to help create the conditions for companies prosper.
“We are also grateful to Trevor Lockhart for his leadership over the past year. His determination, wisdom and warmth have been invaluable through one of the most politically turbulent periods in memory.”
