Business

Chartered accountants honour Sir Desmond Lorimer's contribution to profession

Chartered Accountants Ireland president Feargal McCormack (centre) and chief executive Barry Dempsey mark Sir Desmond Lorimer’s contribution to the profession and public life with the presentation of Galway Crystal at an event at Belfast ICC
Chartered Accountants Ireland president Feargal McCormack (centre) and chief executive Barry Dempsey mark Sir Desmond Lorimer’s contribution to the profession and public life with the presentation of Galway Crystal at an event at Belfast ICC Chartered Accountants Ireland president Feargal McCormack (centre) and chief executive Barry Dempsey mark Sir Desmond Lorimer’s contribution to the profession and public life with the presentation of Galway Crystal at an event at Belfast ICC

CHARTERED Accountants Ireland has recognised one of its most distinguished members, Sir Desmond Lorimer, for his significant contribution to the profession and to public life in Northern Ireland.

Sir Desmond, acknowledged as one of the most influential chartered accountants of his time and a leading light in the business world, was invited to address the Institute’s council members on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his presidency of the organisation, which has 27,000 members across the globe.

As well as a successful career in practice and then in manufacturing, Sir Desmond played a key role in public life in Northern Ireland.

He became the first ever chairman of the NI Housing Executive, then the first ever chairman of the Industrial Development Board (the predecessor to Invest NI), before then taking on the task of privatising the electricity industry in Northern Ireland.

Feargal McCormack, president of Chartered Accountants Ireland said: “Sir Desmond is one of the pillars of the community whose contribution to the Northern Ireland economy has been immense.

“As a young chartered accountant, he was certainly one of people who I very much looked up to. He is a great ambassador for our Institute and a fantastic example of the lasting impact that our members can make in their career.”