The Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce has announced that Mike Hennessy, Area Manager for HSBC, will take over from Barbara O'Hanlon as the Chamber's Chief Executive Officer.

Barbara O'Hanlon, who was recently awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for 35 years' service to the Island's business community, is set to hand over the post to Mr Hennessy in August.

The appointment will bring to a close Mike Hennessy's 26-year career with HSBC. Although Mike has spent the majority of the last 10 years working locally, he brings a wealth of experience gained both internationally and in Jersey with HSBC Group at senior levels.

Mike comments 'I have had a fabulous career with HSBC and I wish to place on record my thanks to all concerned. My experience to date has been wide and varied and hopefully with some success.

'Whilst the decision to leave HSBC has been a tough one, this is made much easier by the opportunity to take up this post with Chamber. The Chamber of Commerce is, and will continue to be, central to the island's interests and I look forward to serving the membership present and future with great energy and enthusiasm.

'There are both challenges and opportunities ahead of us and I see my new role as pivotal in helping to ensure that Public and Private Sector work together in both safeguarding and enhancing the future economic prosperity and quality of life here in the Isle of Man.'