The Isle of Man Department of Economic Development on April 18 announced the appointment of Michael Charlton as Director of International Business Development in a bid to strengthen its commitment to attracting new UK and international business to the island.
Charlton will be responsible for driving new business to the island, focusing primarily on opening up opportunities with markets in target areas such as the Middle East, China and Russia. This focus forms part of the government’s new strategy, which is being developed in conjunction with the private sector, and Charlton’s appointment will play a vital role in helping to implement and deliver this. Additionally, Charlton’s extensive contacts in the City of London will further enhance this strategy, as London remains one of the major sources of new business for the island.
Charlton joins from Think London, the foreign direct investment (FDI) agency for London, where he was Chief Executive.
During his time at Think London, Charlton directed a team, both in London and internationally, responsible for worldwide business-to-business promotion and business attraction for London. He managed relationships with the UK government, the Mayor of London, the London Development Agency and the London and international business and diplomatic community. He also has extensive experience working across global markets in a wide variety of sectors and in developing business opportunities in Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and South Africa. Additionally, Charlton is a Chartered Accountant and trained and spent 10 years with KPMG.
Commenting on the appointment of Michael Charlton as Head of International Sales, Minister for Economic Development, Allan Bell, said that: “This is a key appointment not only for the Department, but also for the island as a whole. Increasingly, the island’s future prosperity depends on attracting more new business, not just from the UK but from much further afield.
We needed someone with the reputation, profile, and proven track record that Charlton has, to help us in this regard. I am delighted to have him on board and feel sure that he will prove to be a great asset, not only to the government, but to the local business community as well”.
Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Mike Hennessy added that: "There is little doubt that Michael is a 'world class' appointment. We left no stone unturned in finding the finest candidate for this crucial role, and I believe this represents a statement of our commitment in the international arena. We are already planning how Michael can enhance our global proposition for existing island businesses and this will be complemented by the developing public/private sector strategies for further inward investment.”
Charlton will be responsible for driving new business to the island, focusing primarily on opening up opportunities with markets in target areas such as the Middle East, China and Russia. This focus forms part of the government’s new strategy, which is being developed in conjunction with the private sector, and Charlton’s appointment will play a vital role in helping to implement and deliver this. Additionally, Charlton’s extensive contacts in the City of London will further enhance this strategy, as London remains one of the major sources of new business for the island.
Charlton joins from Think London, the foreign direct investment (FDI) agency for London, where he was Chief Executive.
During his time at Think London, Charlton directed a team, both in London and internationally, responsible for worldwide business-to-business promotion and business attraction for London. He managed relationships with the UK government, the Mayor of London, the London Development Agency and the London and international business and diplomatic community. He also has extensive experience working across global markets in a wide variety of sectors and in developing business opportunities in Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and South Africa. Additionally, Charlton is a Chartered Accountant and trained and spent 10 years with KPMG.
Commenting on the appointment of Michael Charlton as Head of International Sales, Minister for Economic Development, Allan Bell, said that: “This is a key appointment not only for the Department, but also for the island as a whole. Increasingly, the island’s future prosperity depends on attracting more new business, not just from the UK but from much further afield.
We needed someone with the reputation, profile, and proven track record that Charlton has, to help us in this regard. I am delighted to have him on board and feel sure that he will prove to be a great asset, not only to the government, but to the local business community as well”.
Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Mike Hennessy added that: "There is little doubt that Michael is a 'world class' appointment. We left no stone unturned in finding the finest candidate for this crucial role, and I believe this represents a statement of our commitment in the international arena. We are already planning how Michael can enhance our global proposition for existing island businesses and this will be complemented by the developing public/private sector strategies for further inward investment.”
