The Isle of Man Department of Economic Development today announces the appointment of Michael Charlton as Director of International Business Development in a bid to strengthen its commitment to attracting new UK and international business to the Island.
Michael will be responsible for driving new business to the Island, focusing primarily on opening up opportunities with markets in target areas such as the Middle East, China and Russia. This focus forms part of the Government’s new country strategy which is being developed in conjunction with the private sector, and Michael will play a vital role in helping to implement and deliver this. Additionally, Michael’s extensive contacts in the City of London will further enhance this strategy, as London remains one of the major sources of new business for the Island.
Michael joins from Think London, the award winning foreign direct investment (FDI) agency for London, where he was Chief Executive. He has 20 years results driven experience of international consultative sales and business development across Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), business attraction and economic development, location promotion, city and nation branding and the Olympic Games.
During his time at Think London, Michael directed a team, both in London and internationally, responsible for world-wide business to business promotion and business attraction for London. He managed relationships with Her Majesty’s Government, The Mayor of London, London Development Agency and the London and international business and diplomatic community. He also has extensive experience working across global markets in a wide variety of sectors and in developing business opportunities in Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and South Africa.
Additionally, Michael is a Chartered Accountant (ACA). He trained and spent 10 years with KPMG where he managed both audit and corporate finance assignments. He has a BSc Honours degree in Management & Business Finance from Loughborough University of Technology.
The search for the best candidate for this role was a joint effort by the Department of Economic Development and the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce. Given the importance of the appointment to the future prosperity of the Island, the Department invited Mike Hennessy, Chief Executive of the Chamber to be part of the process.
Commenting on the appointment of Michael Charlton as Head of International Business Development, Minister for Economic Development, Hon. Allan Bell MHK said:“This is a key appointment not only for the Department, but also for the Island as a whole. Increasingly, the Island’s future prosperity depends on attracting more new business, not just from the UK but from much further afield. We needed someone with the reputation, profile, and proven track record that Michael Charlton has, to help us in this regard. I am delighted to have him on board and feel sure that he will prove to be a great asset, not only to Government, but to the local business community as well.”
Commenting on the appointment of Michael Charlton as Head of International Business Development for the Isle of Man Government, Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Mike Hennessy commented: "There is little doubt that Michael is a 'world class' appointment. We left no stone unturned in finding the finest candidate for this crucial role, and I believe this represents a statement of our commitment in the international arena. We are already planning how Michael can enhance our Global proposition for existing island businesses and this will be complemented by the developing Public/Private Sector strategies for further Inward Investment.”
Michael Charlton will be reporting directly to Tim Craine, Director of the Business Development Agency within the Department of Economic Development.
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