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UKTI appoints deputy trade director

UKTI has named Dr Marie Willson as the new deputy international trade director for the North East.

Mrs Willson will take over from Ross Cordiner who is retiring after more than 15 years.

As part of her new role the North East scientist will help to engineer export growth in the region.

She said: “I am really looking forward to the challenges ahead and to working with such an excellent team. Ross Cordiner will be greatly missed, bringing such a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.

“I hope to draw on my own background to add value to the delivery of the new strategy for UKTI emerging from the recent White Paper.”

Previously Mrs Willson was lead and North East Representative for the Department of Culture Media and Sport and 2012, with projects including working on developing opportunities for the North East from London 2012 Olympics and the economic impact of the sector – visitor economy and creative industries.

The Newcastle university graduate has also recently provided support to Northumberland County Council on developing the visitor economy landscape in Northumberland.

David Coppock, UKTI’s international trade director, said:“We’re delighted to welcome Marie to the team, her knowledge and experience will be a valuable asset as we continue our efforts to encourage more companies to take up the export challenge.

“International trade is a key part of the region’s economic success and will play a vital role in securing growth in the months and years ahead. We’re lucky to have secured someone with such great passion for the region to help us champion our cause.

“I should also like to pay tribute to the efforts of Dr Willson’s predecessor, Ross Cordiner and wish him well in his retirement.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .