CBI unveils next president

Stephen Green will first serve as deputy president to the incumbent, Helen Alexander, before succeeding her in June next year.

Ms Alexander said: "Stephen's extensive experience as a commercial banker and businessman, leading one of the world's most successful banks and one which has remained fully independent, will be a great asset to the CBI.

"CBI members can be confident that the voice of British business will continue to be authoritative and compelling in the challenging years ahead."

Mr Green said: "I can say with complete confidence that British businesses are among the best in the world and I look forward to supporting the CBI's work promoting our interests globally and, importantly, to ensuring that this country remains a highly attractive home for investment and international business.

"There are signs of economic recovery but conditions remain distinctly fragile and business and government have to work together to secure the conditions we need for the lasting growth we all want to see."

The 61-year-old married father of two began his career with the Ministry of Overseas Development and after five years with management consultants McKinsey & Co joined The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited in 1982.