The Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) announced the appointment of a new Executive Director Mr. Carlos Wharton. He will be succeeding Mrs. Lisa Gale who will demit office at the end of March having spent 7 years at the Chamber.

Mr. Wharton, a seasoned international trade and development specialist, has over 15 years’ experience working in both the public and private sectors. He has his early groundings in trade policy and private sector development working in the International Business Division of the Ministry of Industry and International Business and the Barbados Private Sector Trade Team. He has also served in senior capacities at the Caribbean Export Development Agency and more recently at the CARIFORUM Directorate of the CARICOM Secretariat as Director with responsibility for Implementation of the CARIFORUM European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Carlos holds both graduate and post graduate degrees in Political Science with Public Sector Management and International Relations respectively.

President Eddy Abed in welcoming Mr. Wharton indicated that given his wealth of experience, the Chamber looks forward to working with him, as the BCCI continues to play a critical role in advocacy, trade facilitation, policy formulation and the development of its members.

Mr. Wharton said that he looks forward to working with the BCCI’s Council and its membership as well as with the stakeholders of the social partnership with a view to improving the local business environment and maximising Barbados’ export potential.

During the month of March, outgoing Executive Director Lisa Gale will be working with Mr. Wharton to ensure a smooth transition.