Chamber finance chief to retire after nine years in role

Helen Bates, chief financial officer at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, is to retire after nine years in the role.  

Helen (pictured) joined the Chamber in 2017 from Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, where she was director of finance and resources for nearly 15 years.

Since then, she has been at the forefront of several significant milestones – including the sale of Chamber of Commerce House and the organisation’s subsequent move to 54 Hagley Road.

She is also credited with modernising the company’s financial reporting.

Over the past year, Helen assumed the role of acting managing director, co-leading the organisation alongside deputy CEO Raj Kandola during chief executive Henrietta Brealey’s maternity leave.

Helen, who officially retires in the Autumn, said: “As I prepare to leave my Chamber role, I do so knowing that this will be a fantastic opportunity for someone new.

“My successor will be stepping into a rewarding and influential role at a hugely exciting time for the Chamber, with the chance to make a meaningful contribution to its next chapter.”

Henrietta Brealey said: “Helen joined the Chamber nine years ago and leaves a significantly stronger and more modern organisation as a result of her exceptional stewardship. 

“She has been a trusted adviser to me, the senior leadership team and the board, and she will leave very big shoes to fill. 

“I am personally grateful to Helen for stepping up as acting managing director during my recent maternity leave, where she provided outstanding leadership for the GBCC.”

The process is now underway to recruit a finance director for the region’s premier business membership organisation – with the search being supported by GBCC patron SF Partners.

The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO and board and will oversee the Chamber’s financial strategy, governance and long-term resilience.

Henrietta added: “The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is at an exciting phase of our ongoing growth and transformation.

“We are now looking for an exceptional leader to join our ambitious senior leadership team and are delighted to be working with our patrons SF Partners on finding the ideal candidate.”

Mike Lattimer, managing director at SF Partners, said: “SF Partners are honoured to have been chosen by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce to support the appointment of their finance director.

“As long-standing patrons, we have always admired the Chambers’ unique role in bringing together and championing the region’s business community, acting as both a powerful advocate and a trusted, independent voice for growth across the West Midlands.

“This is a rare opportunity. It offers the chance to step into a highly visible, commercially focused leadership role within an organisation that combines real purpose with tangible economic impact.

“Building on the outstanding transformation led by Helen over the past nine years, the incoming finance director will play a critical role in shaping the next phase of the Chambers’ journey.

“Driving financial strategy, supporting continued growth, and helping to deliver even greater value to its members and the wider Greater Birmingham business community.

“We expect this to attract high-calibre finance leaders who are not only technically strong, but who are motivated by purpose, influence, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the region’s success.”

Find out more information about the GBCC finance director role.