Solicitor Maree Gallagher (pictured) has been appointed President of the British Irish Chamber of Commerce at the organisation’s annual general meeting (AGM).

Gallagher, who works for Covington and Burling LLP in Dublin, had served as the business group’s vice-President from 2020 to 2022.

Maree Gallagher is a qualified solicitor who advises clients on EU food and life sciences law and policy. She has over 25 years of experience in the legal profession and is regarded as one of Europe's leading food law and crisis management experts.

At Covington, she advises clients on EU law and policy in the areas of food and life sciences.

Gallagher is the first woman to serve as President, succeeding Paul W O'Connor.

‘Ongoing dialogue’

“It is no secret that Brexit has created many, many challenges for British and Irish businesses doing business with each other,” said Gallagher.

“Our hope at the British Irish Chamber of Commerce is that through ongoing dialogue, we will assist companies struggling to navigate this complex landscape, and pave the way for sustained growth in both markets,” she added.

As the first woman president to serve as president of the chamber, the solicitor also pledged to seek to ensure that her appointment would help to empower women in business.