John McCabe

John was appointed chief executive of North East Chamber of Commerce in October 2021. He has served on the Chamber’s board, council and as president from 2017 to 2019. Prior to his appointment as Chamber chief executive, John held senior roles in the region, specialising in corporate affairs, economic development, and strategic communications.

During his 12 years as corporate affairs director at a multi-national manufacturing and energy business, John regularly represented the company and wider industry at the highest levels of the British government and in international trade associations. In 2013, he founded his own communications business and over eight years managed its growth and diversification, establishing one of the leading firms of its kind in the region.

Having broad experience across large organisations and growing his own small business, John is well-placed to understand the challenges and opportunities facing businesses across the region. He is a member of the British Chambers of Commerce Business Council, representing all 53 chambers in the national network. Alongside leading the Chamber, he is a member of The Prince’s Trust North East development committee, helping young people in the region create a better future for themselves through employment, education and enterprise. These experiences fuel John’s passion for a stronger, fairer North East.