...and three directors appointed
Three new non-executive directors with expertise in the media, technology and business transformation have been appointed to the Chamber board.
Ruth Pipkin brings 20 years ' experience in marketing and communications, having worked both in-house for the Home Office and in-agency before setting up Birmingham-based consultancy Rewired in 2008.
She has advised a broad range of clients from global brands to start-ups, across sectors including retail and leisure, community, finance, education and property.
Having originally moved to the city to study at the University of Birmingham, Ruth is a proud adopted Brummie and a previous winner of Birmingham Young Professional of the Year.
She spent over 10 years on the development trust at Birmingham Hippodrome, was a non-executive director of Birmingham-based publishers Tindal Street Press and a member of the GBSLEP Growing Business Board.
Ruth said: “This is a pivotal time for Greater Birmingham 's business community. As we emerge from the pandemic and face new challenges and opportunities across a range of fronts,
“I believe GBCC 's mission to connect, support and grow local businesses will be more important than ever. I 'm looking forward to working with my fellow board members to drive innovation and opportunity and to support the Chamber and its members to navigate the road ahead. ”
Charlie Blakemore is group managing director of Intercity, the Birmingham-based technology solutions firm.
He has wide experience in the engineering and aerospace industry as a passionate leader. In his role at Intercity he ensures first-class customer service is provided efficiently and with a people-first focus.
Before joining Intercity he held several board positions in the land, maritime and air sectors of the global defence and aerospace business BAE Systems.
Charlie is a genuine people-first leader who started his career as a mechanical engineering apprentice and went on to lead a £1.2billion global business with over 6000 employees in four countries.
He graduated with an MSc from the University of Warwick and is a fellow of the Institute of Directors (IoD) and a fellow of the Association of Project Managers (APM)
Throughout his career, Charlie has built a track record in delivering growth through the development and delivery of a clear business strategy engaging and leading teams to embrace new technologies and ways of working.
He said: “I am delighted and very proud to be appointed to the board of the Chamber and to have the opportunity to help support and promote the fantastic business community and talent we have in our region. ”
Amardeep Gill is a partner at national and international law firm Trowers and Hamlins. He specialises in advising the government, public bodies and businesses on transformation or business-critical projects.
He heads Trowers & Hamlins' Birmingham corporate commercial team and is nationally recognised as an expert in his field.
Amardeep advises clients in relation to a range of transformation and business-critical projects, including commercial partnerships, joint ventures, supply chain arrangements, outsourcings and cross-border commercial transactions.
He has experience of working in the in-house legal departments of both public and private sector clients.
He said: “The Chamber is an essential source of support and information for regional businesses, whilst also having a national and international reach.
“I am delighted to be joining the Chamber 's board at a crucial time for the economy and businesses in order to help to respond to emerging agendas, challenges and opportunities. ”
Pictured: New NEDs: Chamber chief executive Henrietta Brealey (left) welcomes new executive directors (left to right) Amardeep Gill, Charlie Blakemore and Ruth Pipkin