CBI adds two senior business execs to board

The CBI has added two senior City executives to its board, the UK’s largest cross-sector business body announced on Wednesday.

Ruth Cairnie, chair of defence group Babcock and senior independent director at telecom BT, will stand for election by members at the CBI's annual general meeting in October. Previously, Cairnie held executive roles at Royal Dutch Shell and AB Foods.

Along with current board members, who are re-elected annually, Lesley Ann Nash will also stand for election, the CBI said. She is currently a non-executive director at St James's Place, Workspace Group and Homes England.

“Ruth and Lesley Ann bring immense knowledge and experience to our board," said CBI chair Rupert Soames in a statement.

"Their diverse experience across the private and public sectors in both executive and non-executive roles is what we need to help lead the CBI into our 60th anniversary year."