Empey welcomes appointment of INI chief executive

The post of Chief Executive Designate of Invest Northern Ireland (INI) - the new economic superagency designed to unify the functions of LEDU, IDB and IRTU - has been officially appointed to former JP Morgan banker Leslie Morrison.

Welcoming his appointment on Friday 9 November, DETI minister Sir Reg Empey said: “I am delighted that we have been able to attract to this most important position a person of Leslie’s calibre with such extensive knowledge and experience.

“In his most recent role as a Managing Director at the New York Head Office of JP Morgan, the global investment bank, Leslie had responsibility for marketing, project execution and relationship management for global mining clients, for the Canadian oil and gas industry and for certain US industrials.

“He will now play a key role with the Shadow Board of INI in shaping the new agency and in the development of innovative initiatives in line with the Executive’s Programme for Government strategy to transform Northern Ireland into a knowledge-led and globally integrated economy.

He continued: “This background will be of enormous benefit as INI seeks to assist our smaller companies in particular to grow faster through harnessing technology, investing in R&D and exploiting export opportunities.

However Sir Reg said Mr Morrison faced tough times, particularly in the light of current tough global economic conditions, but added: “I have every confidence that the expertise which he brings to the job will enable him to develop an effective organisation and deliver the results, both in terms of inward investment and in the promotion of locally-owned businesses, that are crucial to Northern Ireland’s economic success.”

In his role as Chief Executive, Mr Morrison will be supported by four Directors covering the following areas: Innovation and Capability Development; Entrepreneurship and SME Support; Business International; and Corporate Services. (AMcE)