Ms Martin, founder of The Marketing GP, has served on the committee since 2005 and is the fifth female appointed to the role Newcastle Business Club president.

She said she is looking forward to a year that looks back on the history of the Club, as well as introducing new initiatives.

The executive includes returning committee members Bernie Garrett, Dene Kilpatrick, Kris Leck and new face Lenore Miller.

 Meanwhile after a decade as chairperson of the Hunter Culinary Association, hospitality executive Ben Neil will step down from the position in 2018 and handed the reins to tourism identity Gus Maher, general manager of Hunter Tourism.