Business Roundtable president to retire in July

Business Roundtable will be looking for a new leader next year, setting off speculation as to who might helm the powerful lobbying group during the bulk of a Trump administration. 

BRT President John Engler announced on Thursday that he will stay long enough to see Congress start to tackle several of the group’s major policy initiatives, including an overhaul of the tax code and regulations, before retiring July 1 after six years leading the organization. 

“The outlook in early 2017 to achieve passage of major components of the Business Roundtable economic growth agenda is very bright,” Engler said in a statement.

{mosads}“Tax reform, regulatory relief and immigration reform are all possible with the new administration and Congress,” he said.  

“I expect the pace to be brisk as everyone gets to work next year.”

The 68-year-old former three-term governor of Michigan took over at BRT in January 2011 after serving six years leading the National Association of Manufacturers.

Engler led the nation’s largest group of business executives through most of President Obama’s tenure, teaming up with the White House in support of sweeping trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership while clashing over issues like regulations.

Earlier this month, BRT announced another change in leadership.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon will take over as chairman on Jan. 1 for the retiring Doug Oberhelman, the CEO of Caterpillar.

“Under John’s stellar leadership, Business Roundtable has enhanced its reputation as a credible voice for an economy that serves all Americans,” Oberhelman said.

Dimon’s new position will give him an inside look of Washington for the start of Donald Trump’s presidency.

“John has earned an enormous amount of respect with the CEO members of Business Roundtable, within the D.C. political community and in the broader business arena for his sound judgment and depth of experience,” Dimon said. 

Engler said the chairmanship change provided a chance to solidify his existing plans for retirement that include a momentous personal occasion next year. 

He and his wife, Michelle, will see their their triplet daughters graduate college.

“I am proud to leave Business Roundtable financially strong, with a sterling reputation and focused on the priorities that our CEOs have established,” Engler said. “My successor will inherit an organization of talented and dedicated staff prepared to deliver on those priorities.”