CBI Wales director Emma Watkins confirmed in post

Delivering prosperity through private sector growth is CBI Wales’ top priority for 2013,’ says Watkins

10-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The CBI is pleased to announce that Emma Watkins has been confirmed as the permanent director of its Wales operations, replacing David Rosser, who has accepted a position in the Welsh Government.

Ms Watkins has been overseeing the work of the CBI in Wales since January 2012, following previous roles in the organisation’s Lodnon headquarters and its Brussels office.

She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed taking the helm of CBI Wales in 2012 and I am delighted to be able to continue my role as CBI Wales Director on a permanent basis.

“Given the challenging economic prospects for Wales and indeed the global economy, the role of the CBI has never been more important.

“Delivering prosperity through private sector growth is CBI Wales’ top priority for 2013, when Wales must carve out a new global trading role for itself as part of a new, rapidly-changing world, rebalancing its economy in favour of the private sector.

“With a retrenching public sector, only the private sector is equipped to deliver the jobs and growth our economy urgently needs.

“The CBI and the WelshGovernment share a common overarching goal – to ensure Wales is a leading location to do business – and I look forward to continuing the CBI’s productive relationship with government in 2013.”

CBI Wales Chair Graham Edwards said: “David Rosser has been most effective in leading the CBI in Wales for over ten years, and we wish him well for the future.

“Emma has already made a significant contribution to business in Wales and I am pleased she has agreed to continue to lead the CBI in her native Wales on a permanent basis.

“As we look ahead to a year of fragile economic recovery, the CBI will continue shaping the debate on issues that are crucial to business growth in Wales and I can think of no other person better equipped both to lead on our work with government in Wales, and represent the interests of Welsh businesses on the CBI’s wider UK agenda.

“Emma has ably and effectively articulated the voice of Welsh business and I look forward to continuing to work with her on behalf of the Welsh business community.”

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