CBI's new North West Chair says levelling-up holds key to post-pandemic prosperity

Fulfilling levelling-up ambitions will be vital if the North West is to secure a lasting recovery from Covid and build future prosperity, according to the CBI’s incoming regional Chair.

Karen Smart – Managing Director at Manchester Airport – has been named as the next Chair of the CBI North West Regional Council. She will take up the role in January, replacing Ian Funnell of tech firm ABB Limited, who has held the position for three years.

Originally from Macclesfield, Karen served for 23 years in the RAF prior to joining Manchester Airports Group in 2014. Since then, she has held a number of senior operational leadership roles at London Stansted and East Midlands Airport prior to taking up her current role.

Karen will be taking on her new role at a challenging time for North West business, but believes the CBI can play a crucial part in helping the region bounce back from the economic ravages of Covid to navigate a path to an equitable and prosperous future.

Karen Smart, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said:

“I am thrilled to be appointed Chair of the CBI’s North West Regional Council, and I look forward to working with fellow council members and other business leaders across the region to meet the challenge of rebuilding the North West economy from the pandemic.

“Following the turbulence of the past two years, I firmly believe that the CBI has a vital role to play in ensuring that our region not only fulfils its potential, but sets its sights on a more prosperous future.

“Together, we will lay the foundations for that, advocating for the North West in the critical conversations to come around levelling-up, and ensuring that voices are heard from across the diverse sectors that make up the fabric of our regional economy.”

Damian Waters, CBI North West Director, said:

“I’m delighted to confirm that Karen will be the new Chair of the CBI North West Regional Council. She will bring a wealth of knowledge of the region and insight into the issues that matter to businesses.

“Karen’s expertise will be a major asset for businesses and for the CBI as we look to build upon the North West’s diverse strengths to drive forward the strategies for growth set out in our Seize The Moment economic vision. I look forward to working with her to achieve these goals.”