The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce is set to have its first chairwoman in its 146-year history next month when Lily Chiang Lai-lei takes over.
An announcement would be made at the chamber's annual general meeting on May 3, senior sources from the business group said.
Dr Chiang was not available for comment, but she has previously said she would like to 'contribute to the chamber further'. She will succeed chairman David Eldon, who has served two one-year terms.
'Senior leaders in the chamber have agreed that it is now time to have a chairwoman,' a source said. 'We consider this will have a positive impact on the chamber's image.'
The sources also said Dr Chiang had already had the blessing of Mr Eldon, former chairman Anthony Nightingale and Liberal Party chairman James Tien Pei-chun.
Dr Chiang, also a low-profile Liberal Party member, is the chamber's deputy head now. The chamber's three vice-chairmen, including Hospital Authority chief Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, veteran business consultant Anthony Yeung Kwok-ki and CLP Holdings chief executive Andrew Brandler, will vie for the post vacated by Dr Chiang.