The CBI said it had nominated a new president to head the business lobby group as it readies itself for the upcoming European Union referendum vote.
Paul Drechsler - chairman of shipping-to-financial services group Bibby Line - has been put forward to succeed Sir Mike Rake at the helm of the CBI, which represents 190,000 UK firms, for up to two years.
CBI members will be asked to endorse Mr Drechsler's unpaid appointment at its annual general meeting on July 13.
The incoming CBI president will play a leading role arguing the body's case in advance of the upcoming EU reform debates and subsequent in/out vote with ministers and senior civil servants.
He will also promote UK business internationally.
Prior to his post at Bibby Line - which is based in Liverpool, employs more than 6,000 and turns over £1.6 billion annually - Mr Drechsler was chairman and chief executive of privately-owned construction firm Wates Group for eight years until 2014.
Mr Drechsler, who gained a degree in engineering science at Trinity College Dublin, began his career at ICI where he spent 24 years in a variety of roles which began in Teeside, but took him to the US, Brazil and the Netherlands.
Sir Mike, who became CBI president in 2013, said: "Paul brings with him an impressive breadth of experience of leading companies of all sizes across varied sectors operating internationally and domestically, and of public companies and privately-owned firms."
He added he was confident Mr Drechsler would "ensure the CBI's voice is heard loud and clear on the economic and political issues that affect growth and jobs, including reform of the European Union and devolution".
Mr Drechsler added: "The coming months will be dominated by the prospect of an EU referendum and my focus will be on working with businesses and the Government to champion ambitious reform to ensure the EU delivers for businesses and citizens at home and on the continent."
Mr Drechsler was awarded an honorary CBE for services to the construction industry in February.
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