Paul Drechsler


Paul Drechsler, CBE is an Irish businessman. He serves as the Chairman of Bibby Line. He is the former President of the Confederation of British Industry.

Early life

Paul Drechsler graduated with a bachelor of science in engineering from Trinity College, Dublin.

Business career

Drechsler worked for Imperial Chemical Industries for twenty-four years. He joined the Wates Group, a private construction firm, in 2004. He served as its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from April 2006 until 2014. He serves as the Chairman of Bibby Line.
Drechsler was made an Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to the construction industry in February 2015.
In 2018, Trinity College Dublin awarded Drechsler with an honorary doctorate.

Philanthropy

Drechsler served as the Chairman of the Skills Funding Agency until September 2015. He served on the Board of Trustees of Business in the Community until December 2017. He served as the President of the Confederation of British Industry, a pro-business organization in the United Kingdom, from June 2015 until June 2018.
Drechsler serves as the Chair of Teach First. He also serves on the Provost’s Council of Trinity College Dublin and on the Advisory Board of the Trinity College School of Business. He is a member of the Board of ICC

Personal life

Drechsler is married. He has three children.