Lord Marland of Odstock takes over from Mohan Kaul, who completes 16 years in post.
London, 11th February 2014: Lord Marland of Odstock has agreed to become the new Chairman of the Commonwealth Business Council it is announced today. Lord Marland of Odstock will take over from Mohan Kaul with immediate effect.
Lord Marland was recently the UK Prime Minister David Cameron’s Trade Envoy responsible for developing trade opportunities for British companies across the globe. Prior to this, he was a Minister in the UK Government’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. He is an entrepreneur who has set up or acquired a variety of businesses including Hunter Boots Ltd, Janspeed, an automotive engineering and manufacturing company, and the fashion retailer Tamara Mellon LLC.
“I am very excited at the prospect of becoming Chairman of the Commonwealth Business Council at a time when business growth across the Commonwealth has been rapid. I would like to thank Mohan Kaul for his tireless efforts on behalf of CBC since the organisation was set up in 1997,” said Lord Marland.
“Working with the team at CBC I am looking forward to continuing CBC’s focus on promoting trade and investment across the Commonwealth and working to accelerate economic development for the benefit of all Commonwealth citizens. This is very much in line with the work I have been doing as a Trade Envoy,” added Lord Marland.
Mohan Kaul in announcing his replacement commented, “Lord Marland’s expertise in developing businesses and his knowledge of international business will be of great value to the CBC in ensuring it provides members with practical help to exploit the benefits of the common heritage that Commonwealth countries share. He will also help members to have access to governments and decision-makers and that they can network with each other to share ideas and expertise.”
Mohan Kaul was appointed Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth Business Council on its establishment by the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Edinburgh in October 1997 and assumed the role of Chairman in 2012.
About the Commonwealth Business Council
The Commonwealth Business Council CBC was founded in 1997 by the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM). It is a not for profit membership based company. It is funded and managed by the private sector and does not receive dedicated Government funding. The CBC was formed as a Company Limited by Guarantee and is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the CBC Membership.
The CBC builds relationships between governments and business, developed and developing countries, large and small companies, private sector and public institutions. It provides its members with the means to directly influence outcomes through its unique access to governments and decision makers. It allows its members from across the Commonwealth to share best practices and experience and the organisations it is partnered with ensure that CBC is at the leading edge of discussion and understanding. www.cbcglobal.org