Deloitte's Marie Doyle named as new CBI NI Vice Chair

Marie Doyle, Senior Partner at Deloitte, has been appointed Vice Chair of CBI Northern Ireland, bolstering the CBI’s efforts to support local firms grappling with high costs and a challenging business environment.

Marie will support the work of CBI Northern Ireland Chair Brian Donaldson and Director Angela McGowan during another busy year of CBI events that includes its Annual Lunch on April 24th at Queen’s University Belfast.

With a background in economics, Marie studied at both Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Cambridge. She has been a long-standing supporter of the CBI’s work, having previously chaired CBI Northern Ireland’s Economic Strategy Working Group and the NI Future Leaders Network.

Angela McGowan, Director, CBI Northern Ireland, said: 

“I’m delighted to appoint Marie as Vice Chair of CBI Northern Ireland. Marie brings  incredible strategic advisory skills and a deep understanding of the economic conditions needed to drive  businesses growth – as well as supporting those firms grappling with high costs, tough trading conditions and rising geopolitical tensions.

“She has already made a substantial  contribution to the CBI’s work in Northern Ireland and has a strong track record in delivering transformative change. Her recent presidency of the British-Irish Chamber of Commerce will also support our efforts to drive greater collaboration across the island, helping businesses tackle challenges and identify new opportunities.

“Marie builds on the efforts of Richard Gillan, whom I thank for his tremendous work as Chair and, latterly, Vice Chair of CBI Northern Ireland.”

Marie Doyle, CBI Northern Ireland Vice Chair, said:  

“I’m excited to be taking on the role of Vice-Chair of CBI NI and look forward to working with the organisation and its members to strengthen the Northern economy and facilitate opportunities for growth.

“Northern Ireland is in a uniquely advantageous position for trade, with significant potential for cross border collaboration and all island opportunities for growth. Our rural communities in particular hold untapped potential, and I’m passionate about ensuring people in every region can access high quality careers in sectors such as technology.

“The world has never been more connected, and digital transformation means that where you live should no longer be a barrier to opportunity. By embracing digital skills, improved connectivity and innovative ways of working, we can unlock new pathways for people across Northern Ireland to participate fully in the modern economy.”

About Marie: 

Marie is an economist by background, studying at both Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Cambridge. She is currently the Senior Partner for Deloitte in Northern Ireland and has spent much of her professional career focused on supporting clients to deliver transformative change in their operating models and through digitisation. In her Deloitte role she oversees a £120m operation from the newly opened state-of-the-art Ewart building in the centre of Belfast where 1,300 partners and staff deliver services across audit and assurance, strategy, risk, transactions, tax and technology and transformation to clients in the UK and Ireland.

Marie has long been involved with the CBI in Northern Ireland, chairing the inaugural Future Leaders Working Group before moving onto CBI NI Council and to chairing the Economic Strategy Working Group. Marie is deeply invested in the Northern Ireland business ecosystem, supporting regional growth and economic prosperity. She was the President of the British-Irish Chamber of Commerce (2024/25) and, as part of that remit, represented business interests and connections across Britain and Ireland – the first and only President from Northern Ireland. Marie is also a member of the Northern Ireland Chamber Council and is incoming Chair of the Belfast City Region Place Partnership.