Gillett takes the chair at East Midlands CBI

The CBI in the East Midlands has a new chair.

Danielle Gillett, the managing director and founding member of EMB Group, has taken over from Dr Nik Kotecha, who stands down after completing his appointed two-year term.

Gillett’s extensive experience in financial and commercial leadership spans more than 20 years. In her current role as chair of Leicester College, she is an avid promoter of collaboration between business and education, having held previous non-executive directorships supporting students at De Montford University and on national skills and enterprise advisory groups.

Gillett says she will advocate for increased investment in skills and R&D, boosting business confidence and seizing the economic prizes on offer in regional priority areas. This includes accelerating the UK’s push to net zero – aided by the development of a new Zero Carbon Innovation Centre as part of the East Midlands Freeport – and building on the skills of the East Midland’s workforce.

Nikki Paterson, CBI Midlands director and the guest speaker at our February Women in Business Lunch, said: “Dr Nik has been a huge support to the CBI team and our members throughout the past two years. He has been, and will continue to be, a champion for the region through his work with the CBI and his many other ventures. I would like to thank him for his commitment and dedication as chair.

“Danielle brings a huge amount of experience cutting across all sectors of the economy. She has an excellent understanding of the region’s needs through her roles with EMB Group and as chair of Leicester College. This year is of particular importance for local and regional politics, with Mayoral and national elections set to take place. I look forward to working closely with Danielle to ensure the region’s business voice is heard throughout.”

Gillett added: “I’m honoured and excited to be stepping into the role as chair of the East Midlands CBI Regional Council, and my thanks go to Nik for his leadership and focus in the East Midlands.

“As we head into 2024, the role of the CBI will be crucial in shaping the agenda for stability and growth across the UK. The East Midlands has a successful and diverse business community and it’s more important than ever to ensure our voice is heard loud and clear in the run-up to the general election. The CBI will be championing issues that matter most to firms, like gearing up for a sustainable future, embracing digital technology and maximising opportunities to innovate.

“At this pivotal moment, I look forward to playing my part and working closely with the other members of the East Midlands Regional Council to ensure our views are part of regional and UK-wide discussions.”

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, outgoing CBI East Midlands chair, said: “It’s been a privilege to have held this role, and to have contributed to the CBI over the last few years, first as a councillor and then as chair, through a time of considerable change. Through the period of my tenure, we’ve helped shape the CBI’s refreshed strategy, demonstrably amplified the voice of businesses in the East Midlands and brought critical business insights to many policy-shaping agendas.

“I know this great work will continue – and it’s satisfying to know that the leadership of the Regional Council is in very capable hands with Danielle picking up the reins, supported by the regional team. I wish Danielle all the best – she’ll have my full support as I continue as a councillor, the support of the tremendous business leaders who comprise the Council, and that of the wider business community who we represent, too.”