Bailie Group is proud to announce that Chief Executive Officer Fergus Bailie has been appointed Senior Council Chair of the CBI Chairs’ Committee and a Non-Executive Director on the CBI Board, the Confederation of British Industry’s highest policy-mandating body. Beginning a two-year term running until Q2 2028, Fergus will lead the Committee responsible for bringing together senior business leaders from across the UK to help shape and steer the CBI’s policy agenda. The role also includes an ex officio position on the CBI Board, providing an important opportunity to influence the issues that matter most to businesses operating across every region and sector of the UK economy.

Fergus brings extensive leadership and governance experience to the role. Since becoming CEO of Bailie Group in 2017, he has overseen the strategic direction, governance and long-term growth of the Yorkshire-based, family-owned investment company. A Chartered Accountant with a law degree from Durham University, his career includes experience in audit and mergers and acquisitions at PwC, alongside a strong track record of building effective governance structures across a diverse portfolio of businesses. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Fergus currently serves as Chair of CBI Yorkshire & the Humber and has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to supporting enterprise and developing future talent, including through his mentoring work with The King’s Trust.

For Fergus, the appointment is both an honour and a responsibility. He has expressed his commitment to working alongside fellow business leaders to ensure the CBI continues to represent the interests of organisations across the UK, particularly at a time when a strong, united business voice is increasingly important. A key priority will be ensuring that businesses of every size are heard, with a particular focus on SMEs and regional organisations whose perspectives are essential to creating balanced, effective policy. His appointment reflects both the breadth of the CBI’s membership and the growing recognition of the vital role regional businesses play in driving innovation, investment and sustainable economic growth.

As Senior Council Chair of the CBI Chairs’ Committee, Fergus Bailie will help shape the future direction of UK business policy while continuing to lead Bailie Group’s long-term growth strategy. The appointment reflects his commitment to responsible leadership, effective governance and championing businesses across every region of the UK. It also reinforces Bailie Group’s ongoing contribution to the wider business community, ensuring that the perspectives of family businesses, SMEs and regional employers continue to inform national policy discussions.