New appointment to lead Chamber 's media operations
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has announced the appointment of a new head of media and communications.
Dan Harrison (pictured) has been promoted to the role, having previously held the position of Press and PR manager.
In his new position, Dan will lead all areas of the Chamber 's media and news content operations, including external media engagement and production of the organisation 's print and online news material.
Dan joined the Chamber in 2016 as Press and PR executive, having spent nearly eight years at Aston Villa Football Club as a club journalist and, latterly, as editor of the award-winning Villa News & Record matchday programme.
The former City of Wolverhampton College NCTJ journalism student began his career with the Newsquest Midlands group of newspapers which includes the Stourbridge, Halesowen and Dudley News titles, the Bromsgrove and Redditch Advertisers and the Kidderminster Shuttle.
Dan is also a board member of the City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club.
John Lamb, who served as director of Press and PR for 27 years, will continue to work with the GBCC as a consultant editor of the flagship Chamberlink magazine.
Dan said: “I 'm delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the GBCC 's media and communications operations.
“Our Chamber turns 210-years-old this year but has continued to move with the times, thanks to the dynamic, hard-working team we have in place today.
“I look forward to working with my talented team as we strive to find new ways to tell the story of the organisation and its member businesses.
“Of course, taking the reins from John means I have big shoes to fill. He has been a stalwart of the Chamber, as well as a huge support and inspiration to me personally - and I 'm delighted that he is continuing to work with us on the production of Chamberlink magazine. ”
Raj Kandola, the GBCC 's director of External Affairs, said: “Dan has played a huge part in shaping the Chamber 's press and PR output over the last six years and I 'm thrilled that he will be stepping up to lead the team that is responsible for all of our media and communications activity.
“Under John 's expert leadership, the press & pr team played a vital role in showcasing the best of our business community and I 'm looking forward to Dan and his team driving this agenda forward as we enter an exciting period for our region.
“I 'm excited to see the development of the team and look forward to working closely with Dan to ensure we continue to play our part in raising the profile of our diverse, vibrant and growing business community. ”