Chamber appoints finance expert as chief executive
COUNTY Wexford Chamber of Commerce has appointed corporate finance expert Fiona Lewis as its new chief executive officer.
Lewis joins the newly amalgamated Chamber after holding the position of CEO at the Southeast Simon Community for five years. She will lead the ‘county’ chamber which has over 400 members from Wexford, New Ross and Gorey.
Previously Lewis spent 15 years with Ulster Bank before starting her own company Business Lending Solutions in 2007.
Lewis said: ‘This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved with a vibrant new board of directors and a very engaged business community,’
‘It is evident all around us of the commitment that there is by the various stakeholders in Wexford. Accessibility to Wexford has never been better and this offers opportunities to attract inward investment.
‘County Wexford Chamber of Commerce will look to capitalise on the investment that has been made in infrastructure in the county by highlighting the advantages of setting up and growing business in the county. I look forward to working with the county council and other business associations in the knowledge that with collaboration, we can achieve the very best outcomes for County Wexford.’
Lewis’s appointment was announced after a competitive search by the Chamber’s executive committee that attracted many high quality applications.
Lewis recently graduated with a Level 9 qualification in Economics and Finance from WIT and was a past participant on the EU-funded Going for Growth programme for women entrepreneurs.
Previously Lewis was also president of Junior Chamber Waterford and former Southeast Regional Director of Junior Chamber International Ireland (JCI).
Chamber President Sean Reidy, who took up his role last October, said: ‘We were very impressed by the calibre of all applicants for the position of full-time Chamber CEO.
‘Following a rigorous selection process, the Chamber were delighted to offer Fiona the position of CEO. Having started a business herself in 2007, she is no stranger to the challenges faced by business owners. Fiona brings huge experience to the role and will be a major asset to the new Chamber, our members and the entire county.’