CBI members green-light Tesco chairman as 27th president

The CBI said its members have endorsed the appointment of Tesco and Barratt Developments chairman John Allan as its latest president at its annual general meeting.

He succeeds Bibby Line Group and Teach First board chairman Paul Drechsler to become the UK’S largest busi- ness organisation’s 27th president since 1965.

Allan said: “It is a great honour to be elected CBI president at this critical time for the UK’S economy and businesses. As a country we face great challenges, and I will try to ensure that the CBI’S rational, evidence-based solutions are presented clearly and forcefully to all concerned, and in particular to the Government.

“Whether it is finding the best possible outcome to Brexit or focusing energy upon the long-term issues, like the Industrial Strategy, skills and infrastructure, we will campaign honestly and clearly for a future that is good for the British economy, and good for the British people.”

CBI director-general Carolyn Fairbairn praised Allan, saying his “passion, and the breadth of his experience and knowledge – formed over decades at some of the largest employers in the country – will be of tremendous value to us at such an important juncture for British industry”.

Allan’s previous roles include chairman of Worldpay and Dixons Retail, and a non-executive director of the Home Office Supervisory Board, Royal Mail, and 3i. 0 New CBI president John Allan has laid out his ambitions