Business in the Community Northern Ireland (BITCNI) has announced Rob Heron, Managing Partner at EY Northern Ireland, as the new Chair of its Northern Ireland Advisory Board.

Rob takes over from Vicky Davies OBE, former Chief Executive of Danske Bank, who has served as Chair since 2023. Rob joined the Advisory Board in 2025 and will now lead the group of senior business leaders that oversees BITCNI’s work and operations in Northern Ireland.

Rob Heron said: “It is a real privilege to take on the role of Chair of Business in the Community Northern Ireland’s Advisory Board. No other organisation here brings businesses together around such a breadth of issues that can make a positive difference to the way people live and work.

“Many of the challenges we face need action and insight from every part of society. BITCNI is uniquely placed to connect business expertise and reach with the knowledge of the voluntary and community sector and the leadership of government. I look forward to helping convene the right people, turn shared ambition into practical action and deliver greater impact together.”

Dr Lisa McIlvenna, Managing Director, Business in the Community Northern Ireland, said: “We are delighted to welcome Rob as Chair. His leadership experience, strategic insight and commitment to responsible business will be invaluable as we begin an ambitious new chapter for the organisation and continue to help businesses take meaningful, measurable action on the issues that matter most to people and planet.

“I also want to thank Vicky for the leadership, insight and commitment she has brought to the role over the past three years. She has been a passionate advocate for the power of business to work together, tackle complex challenges and create a more sustainable and inclusive Northern Ireland.”

BITCNI is Northern Ireland’s largest business-led coalition dedicated to responsible business, with more than 270 members. It supports organisations to take action across community engagement, employment, diversity, wellbeing and climate, while sharing learning and recognising best practice across its network.

(L>R) Dr Lisa McIlvenna, Managing Director, Business in the Community NI; Ndidi Okezie, Chief Executive, Business in the Community; and Rob Heron, Managing Partner EY Northern Ireland and new Chair BITC NI Advisory Board