GRADUATE TAKES UP ROLE AS CHAIR OF INVEST NI 
15 August 2019
Rose Mary Stalker, BSc Mechanical Engineering (1985) – an experienced business leader who has operated at Executive Team and Board level in multi-disciplinary global organisations, including Ford, Boeing and Rolls-Royce – has taken over as Chair of Invest Northern Ireland.
Ms Stalker (pictured centre) commenced her three-year term on 01 August, following an announcement in July by the Permanent Secretary of the Department for the Economy, Noel Lavery (right).
She has been responsible for the successful delivery of multiple transformational projects in a range of disciplines, new product delivery, business models, manufacturing, logistics, service centres, recruitment and quality, across numerous industry sectors, aerospace, automotive, construction and energy.
Mr Lavery said: “I want to congratulate Rose Mary on her new appointment. The position of Chair of Invest Northern Ireland is a challenging role and it is essential, particularly in this time of uncertainty, that we have strong and effective leaders with the skills and experience needed to deliver change.
“Rose Mary has gained extensive business development experience across large and medium sized businesses. I am confident that her experience and drive will prove vital as we continue on the journey of transforming Northern Ireland into a globally competitive economy that works for everyone.
“Under her leadership Invest Northern Ireland will continue to fulfil its role of supporting local businesses to create jobs, innovate and grow their exports; and to attract new inward investors.”
Ms Stalker is an independent consultant and serves as Non-Executive Chair for Metal Forming Innovation/Tirnaform an advanced engineering start-up and is founder of 4C UR Future CIC a Not for Profit Community Interest Company dedicated to informing, inspiring and improving employability and career awareness in schoolchildren.
A Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and the recipient of numerous awards, including the European Woman of Achievement in Business and European Automotive Woman of the Year, Ms Stalker has been an Invest Northern Ireland Board Member since April 2012.
She has until recently served as Chair of The Prince’s Trust in Northern Ireland, Chair of The Manufacturing Task Force for Mid & East Antrim Borough Council and previously chaired The Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, Catagen Limited and been a Non-Executive Director of Catalyst Inc.
The Permanent Secretary also paid tribute to the outgoing Chair and Ms Stalker’s fellow Queen’s graduate Mark Ennis BSc (Econ) 1977 (above left), saying: “I would like to thank Mark for his determination and commitment during his time as Chair of Invest Northern Ireland.
“Throughout the past almost eight years, Mark has made a significant contribution to Invest Northern Ireland’s success, consistently showing strong leadership in challenging economic times.”
Invest Northern Ireland was set up in 2002 to promote innovation, enterprise and competitiveness in local businesses, encourage new start-ups, and market Northern Ireland as a location for inward investment.
For Invest NI media enquiries, please contact the Department for the Economy Press Office on +44 (0)28 9052 9604. Outside office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer on +44 (0)28 9037 8110.
To submit graduate news items, or for general enquiries about this story, please contact Gerry Power, Communications Officer, Development and Alumni Relations Office, Queen's University Belfast or telephone: +44 (0)28 9097 5321.
Photo (courtesy of Department for the Economy) caption: Outgoing Invest NI Chair Mark Ennis, incoming Invest NI Chair Rose Mary Stalker and Permanent Secretary of the Department for the Economy Noel Lavery
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