Economy Minister Thanks Invest NI Chief Executive

Northern Economy Minister Arlene Foster has paid tribute to Leslie Morrison, the Chief Executive of Invest NI, following his retirement announcement.

Mr Morrison has announced his intention to retire from his post in March 2009.

Mrs Foster said: "Leslie Morrison came back to his native Northern Ireland in 2002, following a long and successful career in North America and the Far East.

"He has led Invest NI from its formation and has played a pivotal role in its many successes. These include major investments by locally-owned companies such as Almac, Norbrook and Randox; international investors including Allstate, Liberty, Citi; and, most recently, the half billion pound Bombardier C Series project.

"In March of next year he will complete seven years in that demanding role. I thank him for his dedicated public service and for the professionalism that he has brought to the complex and crucial work of business development. I wish him well for the remainder of his time in Invest NI and for the future."