New president for the CBI
Bibby Group chairman Paul Drechsler was handed the presidency of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), succeeding Sir Mike Rake.
The CBI president leads the organisation’s advocacy work, meeting with ministers and senior civil servants to promote UK business internationally.
The Bibby Group owns the Costcutter chain of supermarkets, as well as distribution and shipping businesses.
Drechsler said his initial focus would be on EU referendum and 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.
“While EU reform is top of the agenda, we mustn’t lose track of other important growth priorities, including ensuring we have an education system that addresses skills shortages and enables all young people to have fulfilling careers,” he said.