We are delighted to announce that Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint - a former Minister of State for Trade and Investment - has been appointed as our new President.
As trade minister from 2011 to 2013, Lord Green’s remit encompassed promoting UK industry overseas as government spokesman in the Lords for both the former Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Lord Green was Chairman of HSBC Holdings from 2006 until 2010.
As our new President, he will be instrumental in driving the strategy and vision of the Institute - the UK’s only professional membership body supporting the interests of everyone involved in importing, exporting and international trade.
Lord Green said: “The Institute of Export & International Trade is one of the nation’s best kept secrets. Its range of qualifications from 16 through to Masters is professionalising international trade and brings the highest level of expertise and education in skills most needed in the UK today. This knowledge is building business competence and in turn confidence to trade internationally. As we look to new markets across the world I am proud to be a champion of this much needed resource for UK businesses.”
IOE&IT director general, Lesley Batchelor OBE, added: “Lord Green’s powerful reputation in international commerce is second to none and he joins the board at a formative period for the Institute, whose remit to boost the UK’s exporting drive and economic recovery has taken on an unprecedented importance as we prepare to exit the EU.”
Lord Green takes over from James Davis, who stepped down at the end of last year after more than twenty years in the role.
The story of Lord Green’s appointment has received widespread coverage in national, export and regional media, including City AM, Global Trade Review, Freight Industry Times and Yorkshire Post.