The next Chair of the CBI Northern Ireland is Brian Donaldson, CEO of the Maxol Group.
Richard Gillan, a managing partner at Grant Thornton Northern Ireland, was reappointed Vice Chair after serving as Chair for two years, and Brian has assumed his role as Vice-Chair of CBI Northern Ireland.
He assumes this role as Northern Ireland's economy makes its way through an energy transition and the world economy enters a new phase of protectionism.
Mr Donaldson, who was previously Maxol's Chief Operating Officer, was appointed CEO in 2016.
In his 38 years with the privately held McMullan family firm, he has held numerous top managerial positions and contributed significantly to the growth of the group's 252 service stations and all-Ireland retail network.
We’re delighted to be working with Brian Donaldson in his new role as @CBI_NI Chair.
— CBI Northern Ireland (@CBI_NI) January 14, 2025
One of the most experienced all-island business leaders, Brian, Director @Angela_McGowan, Vice Chair Richard Gillan & our team are working hard to support NI firms.
👉https://t.co/t1zVqG6hnv pic.twitter.com/r0N3PhWsCf
Angela McGowan, director of CBI NI, expressed her happiness at the appointment. "I am certain that he will contribute a lot of experience and strategic thinking to the CBI NI Council and the CBI's Chairs Committee, having worked closely with him in recent years on topics like energy and electric car infrastructure.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Richard for all his hard work and support as CBI NI Chair during a busy period which coincided with restoration of devolved government and a General Election. Richard has been a pleasure to work with and CBI Council members and the local team have thrived under his guidance”.
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