MICHAEL Charlton has been appointed as the director of international business development by the Isle of Man Government.
The government has said the position is a bid to strengthen its commitment to attracting new UK and international business to the Island.
Michael 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 country strategy which is being developed in conjunction with the private sector, and Michael will play a vital role in helping to implement and deliver this.
Additionally, Michael's extensive contacts in London will further enhance this strategy as London remains one of the major sources of new business for the Island.
Economic Development Minister Allan Bell MHK said: "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 Michael 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 government, but to the local business community as well."
Michael previously held the position of chief executive at Think London – an award winning foreign direct investment agency. He has 20 years experience of international consultative sales and business development across foreign direct investment, business attraction and economic development, location promotion, city and nation branding and the Olympic Games.
During his time at Think London Michael directed a team, both in London and internationally, responsible for world-wide business to business promotion and business attraction for London. He managed relationships with Her Majesty's Government, The Mayor of London, 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 Michael is a Chartered Accountant (ACA). He trained and spent 10 years with KPMG where he managed both audit and corporate finance assignments. He has a BSc Honours degree in Management & Business Finance from Loughborough University of Technology.
The search for the best candidate for this role was a joint effort by the Department of Economic Development and the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce. Mike Hennessy, chief executive of the chamber, was invited to be part of the process.
Mike Hennessy said: "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."
Michael Charlton will be reporting directly to Tim Craine, director of the Business Development Agency within the Department of Economic Development.
