Ana Christie

CEO, Sussex Chamber of Commerce

Ana Christie is CEO of Sussex Chamber of Commerce supporting and campaigning for the business community.

Ana’s extensive business experience both in the UK and internationally, began in aviation, hospitality, then hotel project development. Previously she managed the London Aquarium, a major attraction, before relocating to the Philippines as Executive Vice President of an HR recruitment consultancy and subsequently locating to the British Deputy High Commission in India. Back in the UK, Ana joined a pharmaceutical company overseeing the project management of global clinical trials.

Ana joined the Sussex Chamber of Commerce in 2014 as Chief Executive and has since grown and developed the business membership organisation through the services provided to support business economic growth and performance in the area. She campaigns on key issues through the British Chambers who represent the national and global interests of business in government.

Ana is also an experienced in Martial Arts and in her spare time is a Karate instructor.

Jon Mitchell

Managing Director, Marlow Ropes

Jon Mitchell is Managing Director of Marlow Ropes Ltd in Hailsham, East Sussex.  Marlow Ropes are a world-renowned manufacturer of specialist fibre rope products for a range of diverse industries from yachting to aerospace and tree surgery to defence.

Jon has been with the company for 30 years, having started his career as a van sales rep for the yachting division.

Under Jon’s leadership, Marlow Ropes has developed and changed its focus from commodity products towards specialist and bespoke solutions made from technical, exotic and sustainably manufactured synthetic materials.  In addition, the business has become even more export focused with a global presence in over 80 countries and the opening of a US sales and distribution office in 2013.

Marlow continues to manufacture in Hailsham East Sussex with a team of 70 employees, near to the original site that rope-making began in the town over 200 years ago.

Rob Pope

International Trade Advisor - Lead, Department of Business and Trade (DBT)

Rob has over 35 years of business development and management experience gained from leadership positions in US, German, Canadian and British companies. Over the course of his career Rob has lived and worked in Spain, Switzerland and Greece.

Rob started his career working for major companies in the airline industry in planning, marketing and general management roles, later he led commercial teams in airline food production and aviation logistics.

Prior to joining DBT, Rob was Senior Vice President for a global American outsourcing company, responsible for new business development, implementing new markets and distribution channels across all EMEA markets and India.

David Ryan

International Trade Adviser, Department of Business and Trade (DBT)

I have over 30 years of commercial experience in the private sector. More recently I have worked for a delivery partner to the Department for Business and Trade and I am now in-house. My career has spanned a wide range of industries including marine, aerospace, automotive, media, events management and brand licensing. I enjoy advising SMEs in their drive to establish and grow exports.