Commerce chief stepping down for health reasons

THE CHIEF executive of Dundee and A ngus Chamber of Commerce is stepping down from the job after receiving a lifechanging medical diagnosis.

Sandra Burke tendered her resignation “with deep regret” to the Chamber board this week after seeking advice from her doctors.

The shock departure comes just 15 months after the chartered marketer succeeded A lan Mitchell at the helm of DA CC, a body that represents more than 400 members in Dundee and A ngus and in excess of 35,000 employees.

Mrs Burke intends to remain with the organisation until a new chief executive is appointed, but she does not expect to be in post after the group’s annual meeting in late A ugust.

She told The Courier yesterday that her diagnosis had left her with no choice but to concentrate on her health for the foreseeable future.

“It is with deep regret that, due to a recent medical diagnosis, I’ve taken the step of resigning from my role as chief executive of Dundee and A ngus Chamber of Commerce,” Mrs Burke said.

“I’ve enjoyed the role enormously and it’s particularly disappointing to be bowing out at such a buoyant and exciting time for the chamber.

“I will continue to watch its progress, and that of the city region in general, with much interest.

“However, in the meantime and on medical advice, my priority has to be my health and I wish my colleagues and friends at the chamber every success as they continue to move forward.”

During her tenure at DA CC, Mrs Burke has spearheaded development of a new strategic plan for the organisation and helped build its core business membership locally.

She has also overseen a number of highprofile events which have put local firms directly in front of key policy and decisionmakers at Westminster and at Holyrood, and spoken out on a range of topics affecting companies in Dundee and A ngus.

Chamber president Tim A llan said Mrs Burke had proven to be a hugely capable chief executive in her time in charge of DA CC and her departure was a major blow.

He said it was ultimately Mrs Burke’s vigour and enthusiasm for the job which had persuaded him to join the chamber board and take up the role of president.

Mr A llan said the board were obviously upset at losing a key member of the team but entirely backed Mrs Burke’s decision and wished her the very best for the future.

“She has made a huge impact,” he said.

“She changed the agenda and atmosphere at the chamber and put it on a much more modern and pro-active footing.

“One of the reasons I accepted the position of director on the board of the chamber was because I liked Sandra and I could see she was really going places.

“She was a real breath of fresh air for the business community and I looked forward to working with her as president.”

Sandra Burke with members of the DACC board.

Sandra Burke.