We fight hard for business interests at local, national and European level to create a business friendly environment. 
Executive Team
The dynamic and versatile team at the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry is responsible for an extensive range of services, initiatives and events of relevance and interest to its members and the wider business community.
From export issues and networking opportunities to expansion programmes and banquets with high profile guest speakers, the buzz of activity never stops. The expert team is a rich resource of information, guidance and advice in business related matters with individual expertise in specific fields.
Ann McGregor MBE
Chief Executive
Ann has spearheaded the impressive development and growth of the organisation over the past 10 years. She has led it to become Northern Ireland’s most prominent and fastest growing business organisation. Her commitment to developing the Northern Ireland economy was acknowledged in 2012 when she was awarded an MBE. Ann is a council member of Dublin Chamber of Commerce and a member of British Chambers of Commerce National Accreditation Committee. She is currently the Deputy Chair of the Grand Opera House and a member of the Senate at Queen’s University, Belfast.
Valerie McConville
Head of Business Development
Valerie McConville has recently joined NI Chamber as Head of Business Development. Valerie is responsible for all membership business development, developing customer relationships and helping members to develop their professional networks and enhance their profile.
With a career in sales spanning 25 years, Valerie is well known to many businesses across Northern Ireland. She has previously worked in media managing local newspapers and websites, and was Advertising Manager with the Irish News for seven years. Most recently, she held the post of Head of Group Development following the acquisition of Q Radio and River Media by the Irish News.
Christopher Morrow
Head of Communications and Policy
Chris heads up all NI Chamber communications including marketing, PR and Ambition magazine. On a policy front, Chris liaises with members to ensure their interests and needs are fully understood and appreciated at Stormont and Westminster. He thrives on the fact that his job is so varied and that NI Chamber is held in such high regard as a place from which businesses can seek support. Chris was awarded the PR Moment ‘Communications Professional of the Year’ award for 2014 and is also a Board member of the NI Sport Forum.
Tanya Anderson
Head of International Trade and Business Support
Tanya Anderson is Head of International Trade and Business Support at NI Chamber and is responsible for advising and assisting SME members to successfully achieve their growth strategy. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland, Tanya previously worked within the Banking and Corporate Finance sectors having spent 10 years within Corporate Banking at Danske Bank and 4 years within Corporate Finance at Grant Thornton.
Stuart Hollinger
Head of Finance & Assurance
Stuart is Head of Finance & Assurance at NI Chamber having spent 5 years at Titanic Belfast. He has a further 13 years finance experience in various industries including telecommunications, recruitment and public transport. Stuart is a chartered accountant and a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Louise Turley
Head of Campaigns & Events
Louise works with NI Chamber members so that the calendar of events meets their needs. As networking is the number one reason why members join, she ensures the events are engaging and provide tangible benefits, providing opportunities for members to do business. Louise is responsible for every aspect of event management from initial concept and branding through production and the procurement of sponsorship. She also identifies potential partnerships and sponsorship opportunities to promote members’ businesses. A lot of work goes into organising events and Louise appreciates that attention to detail is essential so members can get the most out of them.
Catherine Crilly
Business Support Manager
Catherine provides support to firms who access NI Chamber’s Learn Grow Excel programme which is designed to assist companies of all sizes in their ambition to grow. Catherine contributes to the delivery of NI Chamber’s business support programmes and supports in the contract management for key sponsors. Leading on assigned projects, Catherine ensures the quality of customer experience from initial business support and events communications through to reporting on satisfaction and impact.
Having completed a BSc in Communications, Advertising and Marketing at Ulster University in 2008, Catherine has spent over 10 years working in Corporate Marketing and Project Management roles at Randox Laboratories, Citi Global Markets and most recently with NI Chamber.
Phil Murray
Business Support Manager
Phil provides support to firms who access NI Chamber’s Learn Grow Excel programme, which is designed to assist companies of all sizes in their ambitions to grow and develop.
He completed a BSc in Psychology at Queen’s University Belfast in 2012, followed by an MSc in Business Development and Innovation from Ulster University in 2017. Prior to joining the NI Chamber team, Phil worked at Ormeau Business Park for five years, delivering business start-up programmes to entrepreneurs in South Belfast.
Petrina McAuley
Campaigns and Events Manager
Petrina works with the business services team to provide high-level sales and planning support for NI Chamber events. Previous to NI Chamber, Petrina has organised a wide range of events in the media and publishing industry. She previously worked for the Ulster Tatler Group organising the annual Ulster Tatler Awards and the Ulster Bride show. Petrina also has a BSc in Marketing.
Olivia Stewart
Communications Manager
Olivia is responsible for internal and external communications from NI Chamber; maintaining the organisation’s strong local and national media profile and delivering the marketing strategy.
She holds an Honours Degree in Law with Politics from Queen’s University Belfast, as well as a Master’s Degree in Business Studies from Ulster University.
Prior to joining the Communications & Policy team, Olivia was an Account Manager in one of Northern Ireland’s foremost communications agencies.
Catriona Henry
Business Support Manager
Catriona provides support to firms who access NI Chamber’s Learn Grow Excel programme. She contributes to the delivery of business support programmes with a particular focus on helping businesses connect, peer learn and grow. Catriona also provides support to NI Chamber’s International division, working closely with businesses with an established international offering to grow and increase their global footprint.
Catriona graduated from Queen’s University with a BSc in Business Management and previously worked as an Enterprise Support Officer in the University, helping students to develop entrepreneurial and enterprise skills.
Ryan Bell
Business Development Executive
Ryan has recently joined NI Chamber’s Business Development Team. He is responsible for recruiting and retaining NI Chamber members and ensuring that members maximise NI Chamber’s services including events, business growth initiatives and marketing platforms. Ryan previously worked in global sales and advertising for an industry leading wealth management publication and holds a BA Hons in Business Studies from Liverpool John Moore University.
Pedro Torres
Business Development Executive
Pedro is responsible for recruiting and retaining NI Chamber Essential level members and ensuring that they maximise NI Chamber’s services including events, business growth initiatives and marketing platforms.
Most recently Pedro has worked in the IT sector as SME sales channel support including the negotiating of contract renewals.
Chloe Ferris
Business Development Executive
Chloe is responsible for recruiting and retaining NI Chamber Growth level members and ensuring that they maximise NI Chamber’s services including events, business growth initiatives and marketing platforms.
Chloe has previous experience in advertising sales, events and fundraising. Most recently she was Sales and Events Manager for Families First, planning and organising events throughout NI and ROI.
Nicola Abernethy
Communications Executive
As Communications Executive at NI Chamber, Nicola supports the execution of the marketing strategy, including the promotion of member services and events through digital and social media, public relations and content creation.
Nicola studied at Trinity College Dublin, receiving a BA(Hons) in Acting, before returning to Belfast to study a MSc in Public Relations and Communications at Ulster University. She currently sits on the board of Kabosh Theatre Company.
Dawn Robertson
Export Executive
Dawn is totally unique in her role – she is the only person to hold such a position in Northern Ireland. Expert in all aspects of export documentation worldwide, she provides advice and certification services to help make the whole process of exporting as straightforward as possible, supporting business at every stage of the export journey. She is adept in the provision of the services including EUR1’s, ATR’s, ATA Carnets, Certificates of Origin. She will also assist in advising on other export documentation as required. Dawn is prepared to go the extra mile for exporters and she takes a personal interest in ensuring that their products are delivered around the world safely, on time and payment secured.
Lynsey Foster
International Trade Executive
Lynsey delivers technical support to NI businesses through export documentation processing and Chamber Customs, as well as the delivery of international training courses and events. With vast experience in import and export customs and facilitating the exportation of international sales orders, she joined NI Chamber following roles at Devenish Nutrition and Hamilton Shipping.
She holds a BSc(Hons) in International Travel and Tourism Management from Ulster University.
Marta Gajewska
International Trade and Customs Advisor
Marta is responsible for processing export documentation and customs declarations, as well as facilitating training and providing a bespoke international trade advisory service, helping NI Chamber members to ensure their products move smoothly for onward transition.
She previously worked for Lamex Food Group as a Transport and Logistic Coordinator for Europe. Marta holds a degree in International Hospitality Management and a Level 6 Award in Professional Management and Leadership Practice – Innovation and Change.
Brendan Martin
International Trade and Customs Advisor
Brendan is responsible for processing import and export customs entries for NI Chamber members. As an experienced Customs agent, he also provides expert guidance and training to the region’s exporters.
Having previously worked in Heyn Shipping as a Freight Forwarder, Brendan is a qualified customs professional with a degree in Transportation, as well as a degree in Politics and Criminology.
Peter Gamble
Finance & Assurance Executive
As Finance and Assurance Executive, Peter is responsible for transactional finance functions and supporting quality management and reporting across departments.
Peter joins NI Chamber from previous accounting roles in Whitemountain Quarries, JA McNicholl and MJ Kane & Co Accountants and is currently studying for an ACCA Qualification.
Nicola Trimby
Credit Controller
Nicola Trimby is Credit Controller at Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
She has worked in a finance role in various companies for almost 20 years and specifically as the credit controller within a large freight forwarding company for four years.
Robert McConnell
Brexit Advisory Service
NI Chamber’s new International Division, launched in May 2019, provides expert, practical assistance to members in planning for the potential implications of Brexit. The Brexit consultancy service is led by NI Chamber and delivered by the team at Pinnacle Growth Group, a consultancy practice led by Robert McConnell and Dr Scott King. Contact Robert with any Brexit-related queries.
Maureen O’Reilly
Economist
Maureen is an economist with more than 25 years’ experience across a number of areas including policy evaluation, appraisal, research and statistical analysis. She was Head of the Policy Evaluation Unit at the Northern Ireland Economic Research Centre (NIERC) and now heads up her own consultancy company. Maureen acts in an economic advisory role to NI Chamber, which includes NI Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES).
