New president and new additions to board and policy council are announced

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce formally announced its new president along with a number of additions to the policy council.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce formally announced its new president along with a number of additions to the policy council during its 162^nd annual general meeting which took place at the Doubletree by Hilton Aberdeen Treetops on June 20.

John Brebner, former vice president, replaces Edel Harris who has served as president since June 2015. She remains on the board for a further two years.

Director of Brebner Consulting Ltd, John provides business advisory services targeting a mix of direct board appointments as well as project based advisory work. Prior to establishing his consultancy business he had a 34 year career with Clydesdale Bank where he undertook various senior roles, latterly head of regional business & private banking centre – East Scotland and regional head of specialist & acquisition finance – North of Scotland.

“I am honoured to be asked to take up the role of President of Scotland’s largest Chamber of Commerce in its 140^th year since incorporation,” he said. “I do so at a challenging but exciting time for both the Chamber and the region it represents but there is a plan - both for the Chamber and for the economic renaissance of the North-east.

“Our aims are many and varied but should all point to creating the buoyant, diversified regional economy that will enable our members and the people that work for them to be more successful.”

Two new faces were also elected to the board, Deborah O’Neil of Novabiotics and Derren McRae of CBRE.

The policy council attracted incredible levels of interest and engagement with 26 candidates stepping forward for the nine available places.

Belinda Miller, Tim Smith, Alan Rowe, and Simpson Buglass were re-elected for further three year terms; with Bob Keiller, Nat Anderson, Maggie Bochel, Rita Brown and John Davidson joining the policy council for the first time.

The Chamber welcomes all new officials and looks forward to the benefit of their experience in a variety of sectors.

The 2016 Annual Report can be downloaded here.