INVITATION TO TAKE UP MEMBERSHIP OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVES’ CLUB AT QUEEN’S 
22 February 2021
As the Chief Executives’ Club (CEC) at Queen’s continues to serve as a focus for local business with a busy online programme – despite the COVID-19 pandemic – there really couldn’t be a better time to join Northern Ireland’s top business membership organisation.
In an increasingly competitive and fast-changing world, the value of productive, high-level networking and knowledge of new policies, research and developments are more important than ever.
The Chief Executives’ Club at Queen’s is a dynamic and prestigious forum that facilitates and supports high-level networking. Established in 1993 it aims to strengthen links between higher education and the business community.
The CEC hosts regular events throughout the year. These comprise keynote lectures, panel debates, masterclasses and executive breakfast/lunch roundtable discussions. It invites leading national and international experts in a range of fields to address topical issues, while also drawing upon the expertise of our local business leaders and economists to discuss key issues affecting our economy.
Under non-lockdown conditions CEC events provide valuable networking receptions and private dinners, circumstances permitting, for CEC members and senior University representatives. Priority invitations to a range of other keynote lectures and prestigious University events are also issued to CEC members.
In the past year, the CEC programme, adapting to the pandemic-affected world, arranged for a number of high-level guest speakers to address members and engage in Q & A sessions. These included: Andrew Bailey, Governor of the Bank of England, Vincent Roche, CEO, Analog Devices and Declan Kelly (pictured above), CEO, Teneo.
Timely panel debates were live-steamed, including one in November on the Economic Implications of Brexit in Northern Ireland, chaired by the BBC’s John Campbell with panellists including business organisations leaders Angela McGowan (CBI) and Ann McGregor (NICCI) and two Queen’s Brexit experts Professors Katy Hayward and David Phinnemore.
A range of key lectures and practical workshops were offered virtually on business innovation topics through the InterTradeIreland All-Island Innovation Programme. Details of these and other events from 2020 may be found on the CEC website.
The Club has an exciting programme of events for 2021 – returning to a physical format we hope in the coming months – to cover the issues that matter to local leaders. These include:
- A lecture by a major US healthcare provider on ‘leading in a pandemic’
- Panel discussions around the Belfast Region City Deal and de/re-industrialisation
- Plus an executive breakfast event in the Belfast offices of a US Fortune 500 company
Inviting local businesses to take up membership, Dolores Vischer, CEC Business Engagement Manager said:
“In the current fluid and changing world, collaboration between public and private sectors, political representatives, higher education, voluntary and social enterprises is now more important than ever.
“Membership of the Chief Executives’ Club at Queen’s offers great opportunities to develop strategic links and new contacts and also facilitates access to the research strengths of the University.
“I welcome you to join our forum and make the most of the opportunities it offers.”
Membership of the Club is available annually on an individual basis and costs £185 for each member from a private business and £120 for each member from a voluntary or third sector organisation. To take up Club membership, simply complete and return the Membership Application form available here.
If you would like further information or wish to discuss any aspect of Club membership, please contact Dolores Vischer, Business Engagement Manager, telephone: +44 (0)7973 424893.
For general enquiries about this story, or to submit graduate news items, please contact Gerry Power, Communications Officer, Development and Alumni Relations Office, Queen's University Belfast.
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