The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) has appointed James Ramsbotham to spearhead its ongoing growth and to represent the interests of its 4,200 members who collectively employ a third of the region’s workers.

James will leave his post as vice-chairman of successful North East construction group Esh Group, winners of the North East Business of the Year 2003, where he had an influential role in the rapid expansion of one of the region’s most innovative employers.

Maggie Pavlou, NECC president, said:
“The strength of the shortlist for this crucial post illustrated what a pivotal role it is to lead the most important business membership organisation in this region.

“James Ramsbotham has a phenomenal background and proven business expertise.

“From the outset, we were looking for someone who held the North East close to their heart and someone who was equally at the heart of the North East.

“James is a strong advocate for this region, he is actively involved at the core of the skills agenda and he is passionate about making the North East economy much stronger and more vibrant.  He will be a tremendous asset to NECC and its members.”

James spent his early years in Northumberland and is a graduate of both Durham University and Harvard Business School.

He was employed for 15 years by Barclays Bank plc, both in this region and further afield, working his way from management trainee to marketing director in the Larger Business Banking division at the London head office.

Prior to that, James was with the Royal Green Jackets for 12 years serving in Belize, Borneo, Canada, Germany, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Northern Ireland and USA.

The 46-year-old, married father-of-two has dedicated considerable time to working on the skills agenda in this region and is the current chairman of the North East Learning & Skills Council.

He said:
“I am really excited about joining NECC.   Working with the highly talented team in Esh Group has been exciting and energising.  I am proud of everything that has been achieved and am confident they will achieve even more in the future. This new role offers an opportunity to make a difference for the region as a whole to be able to engage and influence regional and local issues and to make the North East a better place for our businesses.

“I am particularly keen to continue my work on raising skills levels in the region as well as helping the private, public and voluntary sectors work more closely together for the benefit of all.

“My priority will be to do everything I can to ensure that the North East fights its corner and takes every opportunity to punch above its weight.”

Since his appointment to Esh Group as Vice Chairman in January 2004, James has been responsible for a range of external relations and has played an important role in the dramatic growth of the company, which has trebled its turnover to around £100 million in the last four years.

Austin Donohoe, Chairman of Esh Group said;
‘Everyone at Esh Group would like to congratulate James on this high-profile appointment; we will be sorry to lose him.  He will bring his extensive contacts, wide-ranging business experience and particular flair to the role at the North East Chamber of Commerce.  We wish both him and his new colleagues every success and look forward to our continuing business relationship and friendship.’

The recruitment process for the chief executive’s role was handled by NRG Executive.

Lorna Moran, NRG founder and chief executive, said:
"This is a significant appointment for the region.  James is an excellent selection from a high quality shortlist.  NRG is delighted to have been involved."