Mr Sterling, whose civil service career spanned over four decades joins an impressive group of influential and experienced business leaders who sit on the Women in Business NI Board, bringing with him a wealth of political knowledge and business acumen.

Nichola Robinson, Chair of Women in Business NI is delighted to welcome Mr Sterling to the board: “David’s skillset and perspective will be invaluable to the Women in Business Board, particularly during these challenging times when Strategic Plans need to be reviewed. We are looking forward to working with him, as he imparts his extensive knowledge and experience.”

Mr Sterling, who retired in August this year, led the Northern Ireland Civil Service in the absence of Stormont ministers, following the collapse of the executive in 2017. Mr Sterling’s leadership and wealth of experience will strengthen the Women in Business Board as he sits alongside senior executives from across Northern Ireland’s business sector, providing strategic counsel.

Commenting on his new appointment, David Sterling said: “I am delighted to be welcomed on to the Board and to join a group of impactful and influential business minds in making an important difference for women in the workplace in Northern Ireland.

“Diversity, Entrepreneurialism and Leadership are crucial to Northern Ireland’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and it is now more important than ever that we support women in business.”

The Women in Business board  includes: Chair, Nichola Robinson – Procurement Director, Spirit AeroSystems Inc; Vice–Chair, Anne Clydesdale – Leadership Consultant;  Angela Moore – Managing Director, Ravensdale Capital Investments LLC, Washington, DC; Andrea McIlroy Rose – Head of the Belfast Office, Pinsent Masons; Paula Leathem– Senior HR Business Partner, NIE Networks; Joris Minne – Chairman, JComms PR ; Mairead Mackle – CEO of Tarasis; Keith Lippert– Officer, Vice President, Deputy Information Security Officer at Allstate and Stephen McCully– Managing Director of Power NI.