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Ryan Polanco Elected President of the British Chamber of Commerce in the Dominican Republic
The British Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (BritChamDR) has appointed Ryan Polanco as its new president for the 2026-2028 term, following the organization's annual general assembly in Santo Domingo.
The British Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (BritChamDR) has elected Ryan Polanco as president for the 2026-2028 term during its Annual General Assembly, where members also reviewed the organization’s financial statements and the achievements of the outgoing 2024-2026 board.
According to the chamber, the newly elected Board of Directors is composed of business leaders representing a wide range of industries with the shared objective of strengthening commercial, investment, and institutional ties between the United Kingdom and the Dominican Republic.
New Leadership Team
Polanco, who represents Liftag, will lead the chamber alongside Rebeca García of OMG as vice president, Omar Del Orbe of PwC as treasurer, and Juan Tomás Díaz of United Petroleum Group Haina as secretary.
The board also includes Anyarlene Bergés (INICIA), María del Pilar Díaz (British Motors), Ramsés Seliman (Media Net Partners), Hortensia Pérez (Diageo Dominicana), José Jiménez (United Brands), Gilda Vásquez (Altice Dominicana), Robinson Bou (Banco Popular Dominicano), Jorge Sturla (Central Romana Corporation), Alejandro Rodríguez (AutoBritánica Ltd.), Francesca Ortiz (Pernod Ricard Dominicana), and Nathalie Abreu (De Camps Vásquez & Valera Abogados).
Carol Van der Walt, the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the Dominican Republic and Haiti, was reaffirmed as Honorary President of the chamber.
Strategic Priorities for the New Term
Following his appointment, Polanco outlined three strategic priorities for the organization. He said his administration will focus on increasing value for chamber members, expanding BritChamDR’s membership and reach, and deepening economic and business integration between the United Kingdom and the Dominican Republic.
He emphasized that strengthening the chamber’s role as a platform for bilateral cooperation will remain a central objective throughout the new two-year term.
Review of the 2024-2026 Administration
During the assembly, BritChamDR highlighted several accomplishments from the outgoing board’s tenure, including institutional strengthening, the organization of the 11th Dominican Week in London, the expansion of strategic partnerships, and initiatives promoting bilateral trade, sustainability, culture, and education.
The chamber also recognized the continued success of flagship events such as the 9th, 10th, and 11th British Polo Cup, the 25th and 26th British Golf Cup, and the Young Musician of the Caribbean Award, all of which contribute to strengthening cultural and business relationships between both countries.
Supporting Bilateral Trade and Investment
BritChamDR thanked its members for their continued support and welcomed the incoming Board of Directors, expressing confidence that the new leadership will continue promoting initiatives that encourage trade, investment, and business cooperation between the United Kingdom and the Dominican Republic while fostering a stronger and more connected business community.
