New chief executive for regional group

North East England Chamber of Commerce has selected a new chief executive.

John McCabe, a former president and the managing

director of Fusion PR Creative,willtakeontherolefrom early October, when he will be responsible for the region’s largest independent business organisation.

He started his career in PR with Northumbrian Water before moving to communications roles with Transco and Newcastle Building Society.

After these positions he became Alcan’s corporate affairs director where he led on government affairs in the UK and Europe.

Commenting on his appointment, John said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed Chamber chief executive and to be joining a great team, doing such important work for our region.

“Ourmemberswillalways be at the heart of everything the Chamber does and I will be immensely proud to be their advocate and champion at home and internationally. Together, we can build a stronger North East on the foundations of a fairer, more sustainable and inclusive economy.

“The North East has been hard hit by the pandemic and many of our members are continuing to experience great difficulty as a consequence of exitingtheEuropeanUnion.We must do all we can to shape a future that enables our incredible businesses to flourish and achieve their full potential.

“I also hope we can work with the government to deliver a levelling up agenda that has a focus on people and opportunity as well as on critical investment in infrastructure.”