Meet the Team – Aneela Ali

Author - Courtney Hiles

Date published:

We recently caught up with our new executive director – finance and corporate services, Aneela Ali, to chat about her background in finance and why she’s excited to join the Chamber team.

Tell us about your previous roles...

I started my journey in finance as a project consultant at Alstom Power, gaining practical hands-on experience and working my up through various, wide-ranging positions over a 16-year-long career. I’ve worked at high-profile companies such as Avery Dennison, Sage, Virgin and London North Eastern Railway (LNER).

My latest role at LNER was the Commercial Ancillary Sales – Lead where I led the commercial ancillary strategy. This role involved generating new revenue streams beyond ticket sales.

Before this position, I very much had a strategic role in helping canvas new commercial opportunities and had a pivotal role in creating new products and developing key partnerships in the region that would raise the awareness of LNER.

Had you been involved with the Chamber previously?

I was previously on the Chamber’s council representing the transport sector. Former Chamber chief executive James Ramsbotham invited me to sit on council as connectivity is such an important element for supporting communities and conducting business.

I also play an active role in the Chamber’s race, ethnicity and discrimination (RED) commission, this is something I’m really passionate about. In addition to this, I am also a member of the Chamber’s Women’s Leadership Forum.

What does your new role involve?

I am responsible for strategic financial forecasting, supporting the implementation of a new corporate strategy and leading on the Chamber’s commercial activities, identifying opportunities and overseeing delivery around this.

I’m also responsible for the development and implementation of resource strategies to grow the financial base of the Chamber and ensure long term sustainability.

I’m a member of the board and I’m responsible for finance, IT, HR and commercial strategy at the Chamber.

What are you most excited about with your new job?

It’s such a privilege to have joined the North East England Chamber of Commerce at this exciting time. I’m looking forward to working with our members to support their growth and prosperity, creating a stronger and fairer North East.

I’m very passionate about the region and our people and will use the role to promote how we can truly level up, with the Chamber as an influential force for good.

Any other North East-based roles?

I’ve been a governor at Gateshead College since 2020 where I am a member of the Audit Committee and Curriculum and Quality Committee, this role is pivotal in ensuring we are nurturing our future talent so that they are set up for success. Gateshead College is a fantastic institute with great leadership.

I joined the Finance Board for NGI in 2022 where I provide an independent view to their activity that impacts the financial sustainability of the organisation.

Can you share some of your hobbies?

My hobbies include photography, running, travelling and undertaking charity work to help the less fortunate in the North East and across the globe.

If you’d like to find out more about our new team of executive directors, check out this article.

Back to hub