CBI Northern Ireland appoints Richard Gillan as new vice-chair

CBI Northern Ireland appoints Richard Gillan as new vice-chair
New CBI NI Vice-Chair Richard Gillan is pictured with Director Angela McGowan and Chair Elaine Birchall.

Managing Partner at Grant Thornton Northern Ireland, Richard Gillan, has been appointed Vice-Chair at CBI Northern Ireland.

Bringing a wide range of business experience to the post, Richard will play a key role in supporting current chair, Elaine Birchall, Chief Executive of the SHS Group and the CBI NI Director, Angela McGowan.

A graduate in accountancy from Queen’s University, Richard has extensive experience of operating internationally, having worked in London, Luxembourg, and Johannesburg for several high-profile firms.

He also has business ownership experience under his belt, having acquired a manufacturing firm in 2004. He led the company into several new geographic territories and secured significant revenue and profit growth prior to a successful sale.

SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE

Nine years ago, Richard joined Grant Thornton Northern Ireland. Appointed Managing Partner in 2015, he has since overseen a sevenfold rise in revenues.

Richard has significant experience of advising corporates on strategic and corporate finance matters including acquisitions, restructuring, disposals, finance raising, valuations and shareholder issues. He also regularly advises banks and private equity firms on their proposed investments and was Chair of Chartered Accountants Ulster Society in 2019/2020.

Richard said it was a “privilege” to be appointed CBI NI Vice-Chair.

“I am looking forward to working with Angela, Elaine and the wider CBI team to address the issues that matter to the Northern Ireland business community,” he said.

‘I am confident that, with the right ambition and conducive policy support, Northern Ireland’s economy can thrive’

Richard Gillan

“I am acutely aware of the challenges that local companies face in terms of cost pressures, access to skills and political uncertainty. But I am also confident that, with the right ambition and conducive policy support, Northern Ireland’s economy can thrive. My role is to ensure local companies and policymakers grasp all the prevailing opportunities that are open to them.

“With good collaboration, Northern Ireland can create a thriving and ambitious economy that will attract both investment and people.”

HIGHLY REGARDED

Angela McGowan, CBI Northern Ireland Director, said: “I am very excited to be working with Richard in 2023. I have no doubt that Richard’s vast leadership experience and his contribution to the success of Grant Thornton in Northern Ireland will leave him perfectly placed to help the local business community rise to the economic challenges that they currently face.

“With his broad range of sectoral knowledge, Richard will be a fantastic advocate for Northern Irish firms and the wider economy.”

Elaine Birchall, Chair, CBI Northern Ireland, said: “It will be great to have the support of Richard in the year ahead with his vast experience of leading teams, and his demonstrable success when it comes to business growth.

“Richard is a highly regarded member of the local business community and his insights and experience will undoubtedly serve the CBI very well in what is a very challenging time for local businesses.”