News & Blog

Read the latest business news, blogs and thought leadership articles from our members, as well as updates on the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce's work in the city.

News & Blog

Edinburgh Chamber CEO, Liz McAreavey, joins the University of Edinburgh Business School’s International Advisory Board

Posted: 29th October 2020

The University of Edinburgh Business School’s International Advisory Board, which provides independent and commercially orientated advice, welcomes two new members this month (October 2020).

Liz McAreavey has been CEO of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce since 2016, and sits on the Edinburgh City Vision Steering Group, the Edinburgh Business Forum, the Festivals Forum, and many other civic groups in the city.

Marianna (Mani) Towler recently graduated from the Business School with an MA (Hons) in Business Management (First Class), and is currently working in the software industry.

Professor Wendy Loretto, Dean of the Business School, said:

“Our International Advisory Board provides independent advice, ensuring that during this time of great uncertainty we remain outward-looking and focused on developing ideas that matter to the world.

“It’s wonderful to have Liz McAreavey on board. Her deep knowledge of the business and policymaking environment in Edinburgh and beyond will be invaluable as we support this extraordinary city during a time of great challenge.

“It’s also really important to have Mani’s perspective as a new graduate so we have those early career views, helping shape the guidance and support we offer our students to prepare them for an increasingly competitive world of work.

“Our board now includes sixteen external members, with an equal balance between men and women, representing a wide range of sectors and countries. We look forward to continuing to benefit from their input.”

Liz McAreavey said:

“The Chamber was instrumental in establishing the Business School at the University of Edinburgh back in 1919, and in just over 100 years its international reach and reputation has grown significantly. Edinburgh is recognised as a welcoming and global city and the Chamber fully supports its international strategy. I am very much looking forward to joining the International Advisory Board at the Business School and supporting its continued growth and contribution to the city.”

Mani Towler said:

“Reflecting on my time at Edinburgh University I realise how important the insight that I gained from exposure to industry leaders was in equipping me to enter into the world of work. It’s exciting now to be able to share my own knowledge of working in a tech start-up and an understanding of what matters to students both during their studies and once they graduate. I hope to be able to help guide and shape the advice the Board will give to the Business School; to enhance the student experience and help the School to continuously adapt to a global environment that is changing ever more quickly.”

Business Comment

Business Comment is the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly magazine. It provides insight on Edinburgh’s vibrant business community, with features on the city’s key sectors, interviews with leading figures and news on new business developments in the capital.
Read more here