Philip Simon, 31, has been appointed executive director of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Simon will be responsible for managing the daily affairs of the chamber with special attention to the area of trade liberalisation and the FTAA negotiation.
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce is committed to the promotion of a local environment for businesses to excel, providing private sector input to the Government regarding legislation and policies that affect Bahamian businesses, and being in the forefront of the promotion of Bahamian trade, industry and commerce.
President Ray Winder said the appointment of Mr. Simon is a continuation of the commitment of the board to increasing the effectiveness and visibility of the chamber.
He told The Guardian that there are many challenges facing Bahamian businesses of all sizes and in every industry, including a global economic slowdown and significant potential change in international trade relations.
Mr. Simon has worked in multinational business during his career, having also been a developer of entrepreneurship and small-business programmes and has served on the boards of a number of local entities.
As a corporate consultant, he has focused primarily on new venture and emerging growth companies. His background, commitment to excellence and youthful energy make him well suited to help create a chamber that will cater to the diverse business population of The Bahamas.
Mr. Simon’s achievements include an MBA from the University of Maryland, the James E. Dingman Scholarship, and he has served on the boards of Bahamas Fast Ferries, the advisory board for the Bahamas Venture Capital Fund, Bahamas Adventures and Tours, and the Bahamas National Pride Association.
Mr. Simon is married to Sherry Simon and they have one daughter, Nadja Niara. His primary and secondary education was at Kingsway Academy. He holds an Associate’s Degree from the College of the Bahamas in Mathematics with Physics. He also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Texas Tech University, with honors, in Electrical Engineering.
Mr. Simon is currently in Trinidad at a private-sector meeting concerning the FTAA.
By Denise Major, The Nassau Guardian
