Bibby chairman set for key CBI role
THE non-executive chairman of privately-owned Liverpool company Bibby Line Group, is set to be appointed as president of leading business group CBI.
Irishman Paul Drechsler, who had a long career with ICI and latterly Wates Construction, has been nominated for the position after a selection process led by the current president Sir Mike Rake of BT.
The CBI’s president plays a leading role in the organisation’s advocacy work, meeting with ministers and senior civil servants, promoting UK business internationally and chairing the CBI Board. It is an unpaid appointment.
Sir Mike Rake said: “Paul brings with him an impressive breadth of experience of leading companies of all sizes across varied sectors operating internationally and domestically, and of public companies and privately-owned firms.
“He combines this with a passion and a drive to ensure that business is recognised as a force for good and at the heart of the community. Paul is a fantastic advocate for businesses of all sizes and will play a vital role in continuing to ensure the CBI’s voice is heard loud and clear on the economic and political issues that affect growth and jobs, including reform of the European Union and devolution.”
Mr Drechsler added: “This is a critically important time for the economy with plenty of challenges ahead. I look forward to continuing Sir Mike’s excellent work with CBI members and politicians to boost jobs and growth across all UK businesses, regions and nations.
“The coming months will be dominated by the prospect of an EU referendum and my focus will be on working with businesses and the Government to champion ambitious reform to ensure the EU delivers for businesses and citizens at home and on the Continent. “
He is also chairman of the board of the education charity Teach First and Chairman of the National Skills Funding Agency.
Drechsler has been a member of the CBI board since 2012 and was chairman of the CBI Energy Policy Committee between 2007 and 2012 and a member of the Chairmen’s Committee.
In February 2015, he was honoured by Her Majesty, The Queen with an Honorary CBE for services to the construction industry.
Mr Drechsler graduated from the University of Dublin, Trinity College, with an (Honours) degree in Engineering Science. He is married with three children.
