Chamber announces interim leadership team
Two respected and long-serving members of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s senior leadership team are stepping up to lead the organisation on an interim basis.
Helen Bates and Raj Kandola will take the reins of the region’s premier business membership organisation until spring 2026 while chief executive Henrietta Brealey is on maternity leave.
Henrietta, who finishes for maternity leave during the week beginning May 19, said: “I’m even more excited to take on this new adventure - becoming a parent - knowing the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is in such capable hands while I’m away.
“Both Raj and Helen are talented leaders who share my dedication to the mission of the Chamber.
“Raj brings a wealth of experience in shaping and leading key areas of our work, along with deep expertise in stakeholder, partner, and media engagement.
“Helen is a trusted executive with a strong track record in organisational leadership and management, including previous interim CEO roles.
“Together, they’ll be a formidable team. I look forward to continuing to cheer them on, the Chamber, Greater Birmingham and its business community from a distance, until I return in spring 2026.”
Helen, the GBCC’s chief financial officer since 2017, is assuming the role of managing director – taking on overall internal leadership responsibilities within the Chamber.
She has previous experience of acting CEO roles at Birmingham’s Hippodrome theatre and the Festival City Theatres Trust.
Helen said: “I’m excited to be stepping up, alongside Raj, to lead the Chamber - and keep the seat warm for Henrietta.
“We have a talented team at the Chamber and I look forward to working with them over the coming months to ensure we remain on track to deliver on our strategy and goals.”
Meanwhile, Raj, who becomes interim deputy chief executive, will oversee all of the Chamber’s external activities – including acting as the organisation’s most senior spokesperson and representative with members, partners and stakeholders.
Raj has been director of external affairs since March 2023.
He joined the GBCC in 2016, initially as a senior policy advisor, before earning a promotion to head of policy and strategic relationships five years later.
Raj is highly regarded within the Greater Birmingham business community, having represented the Chamber in key member and stakeholder networks, as well as playing a prominent role in developing the patronage scheme.
He said: “It’s an honour to be asked to lead the Chamber alongside Helen over the coming months.
“Henrietta’s are big shoes to fill but I’m looking forward to leading our external activities and maintaining the momentum she has created.”
