The next chair of Tourism NI is to be Ellvena Graham, a former president of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The position of chair has a tenure of three years.

Graham currently chairs technology hub Catalyst Inc and is a non-executive director for Dale Farm. She is the senior independent governor of Queen’s University Belfast and has also previously served as chair of ESB.

Graham has worked across several different sectors, including energy, banking, agri-food, business tourism, higher education and sport. She was awarded an OBE in the 2018 New Year’s Honours list, for contribution to the economy and advancement of women in business.

Gordon Lyons, minister for the economy, Northern Ireland Executive, said: “I am delighted that Ms Graham has accepted the role as chair of Tourism NI.

“I am confident that she will bring significant experience to the role and play a key part in ensuring that this important sector goes from strength to strength in what promises to be an exciting time for tourism in Northern Ireland.”