CBI appoints new East Midlands Council Chair

Raj Singh-Dehal, Chief Corporate Officer at Center Parcs UK & Ireland will be taking over as Chair of the CBI’s East Midlands Council in the new year from its current Chair Danielle Gillett, Chief Executive of EMB Group, who has held the role for the past 2 years.

A qualified solicitor and business professional, Raj Singh-Dehal brings over 25 years of experience in strategic leadership across Legal, Risk, HR, ESG, Procurement, Technology and Strategic Projects, Raj has built a distinguished career working across private practice, financial services and large businesses.  

Raj is a recognised leader in his field and brings extensive experience of leading across multi-disciplinary teams and business challenges and of working in fast-paced environments.  Over the years, Raj has worked across a wide range of stakeholder influencing and management activity across the UK and in Ireland.  

Raj is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion whether in the workplace, in education or broader settings, with a particular interest in social mobility.      

Nikki Paterson, CBI Midlands Regional Director, said:  

“I’d like to thank Danielle for her support to the CBI team and our members throughout the past two years. She’s championed the region through her work with the CBI and other regional and local organisations, and I would like to thank her for her commitment as chair. I’m really pleased to welcome Raj as Regional Chair from January. Raj brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight from his role as Chief Corporate Officer at Center Parcs, which will be hugely valuable as we continue to champion the interests of businesses across the region. I look forward to working with him to ensure the East Midlands remains a dynamic and competitive place to do business.” 

New CBI East Midlands Council Chair, Raj Singh-Dehal, said:  

"Having lived and worked in the East Midlands for 20 years, I've seen its significant transformation. With excellent universities, superb connectivity, and a diverse business base, from micro-businesses to multi-nationals, the region is uniquely positioned to drive economic growth and national regeneration. The CBI is the essential voice needed to champion this agenda, and I look forward to ensuring our collective influence shapes Government thinking."  

Outgoing CBI East Midlands Council Chair, Danielle Gillett, said:  

“It’s been an honour to be in this role and to have contributed to the CBI through a time of economic turbulence and change. Over the past couple of years we’ve clearly demonstrated the value of the CBI’s strategy and unique economic insights to policy makers and members, as well as continuing to amplify the voice of businesses from the East Midlands. It’s great to know that the leadership of the Regional Council goes forward in very capable hands with Raj picking up the reins, supported by the CBI’s regional team.  I wish him all the best and he’ll continue to have the support of the diverse and outstanding business leaders who comprise the Council, and the wider business community who we represent, too.”