CBI SOUTH WEST APPOINTS ADRIAN BRATT AS NEW CHAIR

The CBI’s (@CBItweets) South West Regional Council has named Adrian Bratt of Plymouth-based @PrincessYachts as its Chair for the next two years.

Adrian, who is a Board Director and holds the position of General Counsel with Princess, takes over from Pennon Chief Executive Susan Davy, who has held the role since 2018.

A governance specialist and commercial lawyer by trade, Adrian joined Princess Yachts in 2017 after operating a national private practice specialising in the manufacturing, retail and energy sectors on behalf of national and multinational firms.

He is a former Royal Navy officer who has been part of the CBI South West Council since 2017, while also sitting on the Plymouth Growth Board and the Maritime Enterprise Working Group.

New CBI South West Chair Adrian Bratt said:

“The South West is a region of talent, ingenuity and enterprise which can wield great influence when it speaks with one voice. I look forward to helping to amplify that voice to support a post-Covid recovery and evolve the levelling-up agenda.

“Throughout the Covid crisis, the CBI has led the way in terms of working with business, government and trade unions to support companies. We must continue to act as an agent of positive change as the focus shifts beyond the pandemic towards future investment in skills and sustainability to help the South West lead the way in the race to net zero.

“Princess has been delighted to support my appointment. The company is proud to be a key business in the region, and looks forward to growing its role as a leader within the South West business community.”

Outgoing Chair Susan Davy said:

“It has been an enormous privilege to be Chair of CBI South West since 2018, representing business in the region and through more recent challenging times as businesses coped with Brexit negotiations, political instability, and the pandemic.

“Despite the challenges of the past few years, I believe that our renewed focus on unlocking the productivity and potential of the region together with making the South West’s voice heard, will bring tangible benefits to companies.

“The South West is uniquely placed to benefit from a green recovery and move to net-zero, helping companies to create new high-skilled jobs and generate prosperity.

“My sincere congratulations to Adrian as the new Chair. I know he’s passionate about the success of the South West and he will make an excellent Chair of the CBI for the region.”

CBI South West (Acting) Director Ben Rhodes said:

“Susan’s tenure as South West Chair has included a General Election, Brexit and a global pandemic, yet Susan has provided stability and thoughtful leadership throughout. Her commitment to the environmental agenda has also delivered a new focus on the many opportunities for the South West to lead the UK in the race to net zero. We are thrilled to retain Susan’s skills and leadership as she supports Adrian as Vice-Chair.

“We are now delighted to have the opportunity to work with Adrian as South West Chair during what will be a vitally important period for the region. As we emerge from the devasting impacts of the pandemic and look to focus on recovery, Adrian’s knowledge of business, investors and international markets will be an invaluable asset to the CBI and businesses across the South West.”