Karan Bilimoria, the Indian- origin entrepreneur and founder of Cobra Beer, is tipped to become the next president of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) at a crucial time for the business lobby group as Britain prepares to leave the EU. The CBI confirmed that Lord Bilimoria, an independent crossbench peer, would stand for election as the organisation's vice-president at its annual meeting on June 18, taking over from the outgoing Paul Drechsler. If confirmed, Lord Bilimoria’s election will put him in line to take over from John Allan, the CBI’s current president, when his two-year term ends next summer.
Bilimoria turned Cobra Beer into a household name after founding it in 1989 and remains its chairman. He was also the founding chairman of the UK-India Business Council. “I’m very much looking forward to the role,” he said. “These are very challenging times for the country, the economy, and for British business, and the CBI has a crucial role to play. I’m looking forward to contributing.”
He said his personal view on Brexit was “completely separate” and that he would be aligned with the CBI as an organisation. He added: “I want a resolution to this in a way that would be good for the UK and for British business.” A CBI spokesman said: “Lord Bilimoria’s views on whether there should be a second referendum are well known, yet the CBI’s position is unchanged. Passing a withdrawal agreement is the only way to avoid a damaging no-deal scenario and secure a transition period, creating much-needed breathing space for firms of all sizes.
“Failure to break the deadlock – by all politicians compromising to find a deal that commands a majority in parliament, [that] is acceptable to the EU and protects our economy – means the clamour for a general election or a second referendum will grow.” Carolyn Fairbairn, the CBI director-general, thanked Drechsler for his contribution and said “Lord Bilamoria has had a remarkable career in British business, during which he has built a deep understanding of what it takes to build a successful company.”
The CBI president is a non-executive role that chairs the group’s board and helps to shape the organisation’s policy decisions.
