Notes to editors
1. Tourism Northern Ireland is a statutory NDPB established under the Development of Tourist Traffic Act (NI) 1948. Its constitution and continuation were affirmed in the Tourism (NI) Order 1992. Tourism Northern Ireland is funded by the Department for the Economy under Article 7 of the Order, from monies voted by Parliament. Tourism Northern Ireland is the trading name of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
2. The reappointment was made in line with the Code of Practice for Ministerial Public Appointments in Northern Ireland.
3. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments, Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees (if any declared) to be published. The re-appointee has not had any political activity in the last five years.
4. Membership of the Board of Tourism Northern Ireland carries a remuneration of £5,095 per annum.
5. Pen Picture: Michael McQuillan is Director of the Business Institute and the Centre for SME Development at Ulster University. Previously he was Managing Director of McQuillan Associates - a business growth consultancy supporting the SME sector in Northern Ireland and has been involved in several businesses, throughout his career, notably, as co-founder and Managing Director of The Streat Café Chain and The Streat Franchising Ltd. He is UK council member of People 1st and has been engaged as a Non-Executive Director with several SMEs. Mr McQuillan was appointed as a Visiting Professor to the Ulster University Business School in 2010. He brings impressive business and commercial experience and familiarity with contemporary technology to the role. He does not hold any other public appointments.
6. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for the Economy Press Office on 028 9052 9604. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.