Dr Michelle Haywood MHK appointed as member for Department for Enterprise

Dr Michelle Haywood MHK will be joining the Department for Enterprise as Political Member, with specific responsibility for Business Isle of Man.

Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:
‘I am pleased to welcome Dr Haywood to the Department for Enterprise. Since the election in 2021, I have seen first-hand the wealth of knowledge and experience she brings to her work as an MHK. Dr Haywood’s business experience and her analytic, solution-driven approach makes her a valuable addition to the Department’s political delegation.

‘With the 2023-24 Department Plan now unanimously approved by Tynwald, and each of the four Executive Agency Annual Programmes in place, there is a clear agenda set out across the Department to support the delivery the Isle of Man’s long term economic vision. I have no doubt Dr Haywood will be welcomed by industry as a trusted member for Business Isle of Man, as they continue to drive forward new policies, products and promotion strategies for our Island.’

Dr Michelle Haywood MHK was first elected as a Member of the House of Keys in 2021 and subsequently was appointed as Member for both the Department of Environment, Food & Agriculture and Department of Health and Social Care, among other posts across Government.

In 2022 she was appointed to Chair the Select Committee for Population Rebalancing, which produced an important document to investigate the causes of demographic challenges in the Island and associated policy recommendations.

Dr Haywood is trained as a research scientist and later held an accomplished career in education as both a teacher and Isle of Man College Lecturer, before becoming the Director of Irish Sea Diving and Marine Services. Prior to her election to the House of Keys, she held the post of Chair of Port St Mary Commissioners.
Dr Haywood commented:
‘I am delighted to be joining the Department for Enterprise with specific political responsibility for the Business Agency. The team working under the direction of the Board lead on a wide portfolio of initiatives and projects that directly contribute to building a more secure, vibrant and sustainable economic future for the Island.

‘I look forward to working with and learning from experts from across our business community, the Department and wider Government, and the producers and consumers of the products and services delivered across the Isle of Man.’