Today UK-ASEAN Business Council (UKABC) Chair – Baroness Neville-Rolfe DBE CMG announced Ian Gibbons MBE, currently the British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, will be the UKABC’s new CEO.

Baroness Neville-Rolfe said “As the UK leaves the EU, never has the role of UKABC been more important. The rise of ASEAN to become the world’s 4th largest economy continues to provide tremendous opportunities for UK companies. Our current CEO – Ross Hunter, has done a fantastic job to support our partners, some of the largest British investors in Southeast Asia and raise the awareness of the vast commercial opportunities among UK SMEs.

I am delighted that Ian will be joining us, as he brings a wealth of experience and passion for the region.”

HM Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific – Natalie Black CBE said “UKABC is a key partner of DIT and the whole UK Government as we deepen our relationships across ASEAN. I am delighted that I will continue to have the opportunity to work with Ian Gibbons, an exceptional colleague, as he steps into the role of CEO. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ross Hunter for the leadership he has shown in developing and growing our UK-ASEAN business partnerships.

Ian said on his appointment to the role “I am delighted to be the next UKABC CEO and I look forward to working with Baroness Neville-Rolfe and the UKABC team. The role will also allow me to continue to work with my DIT colleagues across the region with whom UKABC has such a strong relationship with. Ross has done a fantastic job and I look forward to building on his achievements.”