Former healthcare chief Steven Lindsay appointed President of Derry Chamber

The Derry Chamber of Commerce has confirmed the appointment of Steven Lindsay as its new President at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting. Lindsay, previously the Chamber’s Vice President, replaces outgoing President Andrew Fleming.

Speaking at the AGM, Lindsay, co-founder of McHughLindsay and a former health service Chief Executive, said his priority as the Chamber’s 83rd President is simple: every Chamber action must make a real difference for our members. He set out areas of focus with key stakeholders including delivering 10,000 student places at Ulster University’s Magee campus, accelerating Derry and Strabane Region City Deal projects, revitalising Derry and Strabane city centres, and securing improved road and rail connectivity.

He highlighted major opportunities in AI, digital innovation and renewables, stressing the importance of creating a region where new ideas are developed and scaled locally. “We don’t want the next big ideas born here to leave here,” he said. Lindsay also announced the DEEDS project, delivered by the Old Library Trust to support people with early-stage dementia, as the President’s chosen charity for 2026.

Alongside his professional work, Steven Lindsay has made a significant contribution to civic and community leadership. He previously served as a Trustee of Age NI and as Trustee and Treasurer of Verbal Arts. He currently represents Derry Chamber on the Ulster University Magee Taskforce and the region’s Local Economic Partnership, is a Board Member of Inner City Trust Capital Projects, a member of the Audit Committee at Ulster Rugby, and a Governor of Foyle College.

Steven Lindsay, President, Derry Chamber, said: “It is a privilege to take on the role of President at such a pivotal time for the North West. Our region is rich with talent, ambition, and opportunity, and the Chamber continues to play a vital role in ensuring that our businesses’ interests are championed and our economic potential realised.

“A strong North West is a win for Northern Ireland and for the island of Ireland. By working with partners across the region, we can build a thriving, balanced economy that lifts everyone. We see huge potential in emerging sectors like AI and renewables. The global economy is changing fast, and we have no intention of being spectators. We don’t want the next big ideas born here to leave here.

“For too long, too many of our young people have felt their future was elsewhere, but if we stay focused on driving regional impact, on turning plans into reality, then that better future can be right here, in the North West.”

Outgoing President Andrew Fleming said: “Serving as President of the Londonderry Chamber over the past year has been a tremendous honour. It has been a year defined by collaboration, optimism, and real progress for the North West, and I am deeply proud of the role the Chamber has played in strengthening the voice of our business community.

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“Throughout my term, I have been continually inspired by the resilience and innovation shown by our local businesses, and by the commitment of partners across government, education, and the wider civic community to drive meaningful change for this region. We have seen major steps forward and these developments give me great confidence in the future of our city and region.

“It is a pleasure to hand over the Presidency to Steven Lindsay, someone whose expertise, leadership experience, and long-standing commitment to our community will serve the Chamber exceptionally well. Steven brings a deep understanding of governance, organisational development, and the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the North West. I know he will lead the Chamber with integrity, energy, and ambition and I look forward to supporting him as he has supported me.”