Mark Ross, the Executive Director of the British-Israel Chamber of Commerce (B-ICC), is stepping down after transforming it into the premier business group promoting bilateral trade between Britain and Israel.

He will be leaving the B-ICC next week to return to the private sector, where he will work as a management consultant in the Business Advisory Services/Consulting practice at Ernst & Young LLP.

Mr Ross, 28, tells People: “I have had an excellent three years and have worked with some outstanding individuals. I have learnt a lot from helping their businesses.

“I hope to stay in touch with as many of these people as possible and I imagine our paths will cross again in the future either in communal or commercial ventures.”

He joined the B-ICC in 2006 when the position was left vacant after the death of his friend and former colleague, Alan Senitt, who was murdered in the US.

Mr Ross became executive director and brought the B-ICC out of a period of dormancy and debt.

The Chamber now handles around 300 trade enquiries each year, helping businesses connect with potential partners in Israel and the UK.

Mr Ross has also fronted a large number of networking events, including breakfast with Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling — the day after Lehman Brothers folded.

The British-Israel Chamber of Commerce is currently interviewing for Mr Ross’s successor and is expected to announce the successful candidate over the next few weeks.