The CBI has appointed Bath businessman Andrew Jenkins as its new South West regional director. Andrew, pictured, who worked for defence giant BAE Systems in Bristol before becoming a Bath-based freelance business strategy, growth and marketing consultant, will be responsible for all CBI member companies in the region, engaging with and representing business leaders on key policy and regulatory issues affecting the South West.
He is a graduate of the University of Bath, holding Bachelors and Masters degrees in Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration.
At BAE Systems he was responsible for the marketing, strategy and communications activity of the company’s Advanced Technology Centre. He will take over the CBI regional director role from Simon Moore, who has recently been appointed CBI International Director.
Andrew, who has more than 15 years’ leadership and management experience in business growth, strategy and marketing, said: “I’m delighted to be joining the CBI and taking on this role at such a critical juncture for the British economy. We’re heading down the road to recovery, but there are still bumps ahead that could knock us off course.
“My focus will be on creating the right business environment to build confidence and boost investment in the South West.
“Our region has a vibrant and diverse business community with so much to offer, so I’ll be working hard to make sure that Westminster is fully aware of our economic strengths and where improvements to policy and legislation could create the jobs of the future.”
Andrew’s career to date has been spent in the defence, aerospace and security sector encompassing roles across engineering development, programme management, marketing, strategy and communications.
He has extensive experience in the development and implementation of new technology and innovation and has worked with partners across SMEs, large industry, academia and government within the UK and across the globe.
CBI deputy director-general Dr Neil Bentley said: “I look forward to working closely with Andrew on behalf of the CBI’s South West members.
“His knowledge of the region, alongside his exceptional experience at one of the UK’s biggest manufacturing success stories, will prove invaluable in supporting businesses across the South West.”
