Ellvena Graham elected President of NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Fri 26th May 2017

One of Northern Ireland’s most-well known business figures, Ellvena Graham, was today (26 May 2017) elected as President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber).

Ellvena is currently Chairman of the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), one of the major state-owned utilities in Ireland and a former Head of Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland. She is also Chair of the new Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd Board and Chairman of the Northern Ireland Economy Advisory Group (EAG) which provides independent advice to the Minister for the Economy.

She succeeds Ulster Carpet’s Managing Director Nick Coburn as President of the business organisation which supports over 1,200 members from across Northern Ireland.

Speaking following her election as President at the NI Chamber AGM in the Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast this morning, Ms Graham said:
“I am delighted to have been elected as President of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a role which carries with it a responsibility to support business growth.

“There are many challenges during my tenure in the year ahead. We face the ongoing economic challenges which Brexit poses for our exporters and the wider business community and also the political challenges which have come from the fact that Northern Ireland does not have a functioning government.

“It is vital that following the Westminster elections on 8 June 2017, talks with resume between our political parties so that the political institutions can get up and running again. We need to have measures, supported by government, which will help businesses and the wider economy in Northern Ireland grow.”

The NI Chamber AGM also saw John Healy, Managing Director of Allstate NI, elected as Vice-President. Mr Healy said:
“Having worked closely with NI Chamber as a Board Member, I am extremely proud to be appointed as Vice-President.

“NI Chamber is a well-respected business support network because of their local roots and extensive links ranging from the World-Wide Chambers Network, the British Chambers of Commerce and Chambers Ireland. I look forward to working with the NI Chamber Board, Council and Executive team to cement our position at the forefront of business support and representation.”

Welcoming both into their new roles, NI Chamber Chief Executive Ann McGregor, said:
“I would like to congratulate Ellvena and John on their election and thank the outgoing President Nick Coburn for his leadership and support. Our new President and Vice-President bring a breadth of experience which will become a great asset to our organisation.”

The NI Chamber AGM also saw Richard Donnan (Ulster Bank) and Ian Henry (Henry Brothers) appointed to the NI Chamber Board.

The following members were appointed to the NI Chamber Council: