Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber boss steps down
14 January 2022
One of the West Midlands’ leading business figures has announced she intends to step down from her role later this year.
Louise Bennett will leave her post as chief executive of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce towards the end of 2022 after nearly 20 years leading the organisation.
Louise joined the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber in 2003 following on from a role as director of policy at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.
During her 19 years with the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber, Louise has overseen the continued success of the 118-year-old organisation.
Louise also played a leading role in securing a Local Enterprise Partnership for Coventry and Warwickshire.
In 2007, she was awarded the OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to business and more recently became the Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands.
In 2021, Louise was appointed High Sheriff of the County of the West Midlands.
She said: “It has been a difficult decision to make, to step away from a job I love and an amazing team of non-executives, directors, managers and staff, but it is time to let someone else take up this fantastic role I look forward to progressing other interests.
“The success of the Chamber is wholly due to its team of staff, an eminent board of directors, and the true and trusted collaboration we have with partner organisations and, of course, with our clients.
“In my view, businesses will always want local, accessible, relevant and trusted business and learner support and, therefore, the future for Chambers of Commerce is an evolving and exciting one.”
Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “Louise has made a tremendous impact on the West Midlands both through her exceptional leadership of the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and her wide range of voluntary roles. She’s been a true force for good on behalf of, and with, the business community.
“Prior to her career at Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Louise was director of policy at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (something we have in common!).
“It has been a pleasure working with Louise during my tenure at the GBCC, including on cross-Chamber campaigns on the Sustainable Business Series and our ongoing Brexit work.
“Louise will be a tough act to follow and myself and the team wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber is now working with executive recruitment search agency, Addington Ball, to find a successor for Louise.
