Greg Lowson named as new Chamber chair

Greg Lowson has been appointed chair of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) in succession to David Waller.

The leading Birmingham lawyer 's appointment follows David 's decision to step down after being appointed the Chamber 's first chairman 12 years ago.

Greg is Pinsent Masons ' Birmingham office managing partner and a partner in the dispute resolution and litigation group in Birmingham. He served as Chamber president from October 2014 to October 2016, becoming the first to introduce a two-year term of office for the position.

Mr Lowson said: “I had the pleasure of being a Board member during David Waller 's 11 years as the Chamber 's first Chair and I would like to thank David for his stewardship, wise counsel and leadership. I will do my best to continue the high standards he has set.

“The Chamber has nearly 3000 members; counts some of the region 's largest and most important companies and bodies as Patrons and is uniquely involved in all of the region 's leading business and civic groups.

“It is accordingly in an unrivalled position to advocate the needs of business and to give it a recognised and respected voice. We are in for a challenging year or two economically when businesses will need the voice of the Chamber more than ever.

“Notwithstanding the economic challenge, there is a real opportunity for the region through levelling up and the current devolution deal that the WMCA is preparing to bid for. ”

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “The GBCC Board plays a key role in developing the strategic direction of the Chamber and I am delighted to be welcoming further leading business representatives to this critical group.

“Each of our newly appointed chair and non-executive directors brings a unique skill set and perspectives that will support the Chamber in delivering its mission to Connect, Support and Grow local businesses through these complex times.

“I would also like to add my thanks to the board members who took part in our appointments panel: Deb Leary, Steve Allen, Suzy Verma and Karl George and our recruitment partner SF Recruitment.

“We were blown away by the calibre and range of applicants for these roles and am very grateful to everyone who put themselves forwards and became involved in this process. ”

Greg has handled some of Pinsent Masons ' largest and most complex litigation having been in practice for 40 years. He is an accredited mediator with significant mediation experience, and a solicitor-advocate. He has been a partner since 1991 and office managing partner for 20 years.

As head of office, Greg has responsibility for over 600 people. He chairs regular partner and management meetings and chairs office committees on CSR (corporate social responsibility), ESG (environment and social governance) and business planning.

He is the firm 's longest-standing head of office and as a consequence has strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills and profile in the West Midlands.

As a member of Pinsent Masons ' senior leadership team, he plays an active role in the management and operation of the firm. As well as being a experienced lawyer, Greg has significant business acumen.

He is the longest serving director of the GBCC is the current chair of the CBI West Midlands ' Council, a non-executive director of Pertemps Network Group Limited, a former Trustee of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and of the charity Cure Leukaemia and a former member of the Wesleyan 's Advisory Board.

He has just stepped down after 16 years as a trustee and director of the Midlands Arts Centre where he was also vice co-chair.

He is the Under Sheriff of the West Midlands having held that position since 2014.

Pictured: Welcome to the chair: Greg Lowson (right) with Henrietta Brealey.