Forward’s Richard Brennan loses fight with cancer

RICHARD BRENNAN, the former chief executive of Birmingham Forward, has died on his birthday following a six-month battle with cancer.

Mr Brennan was diagnosed with prostate cancer six months ago but continued with his duties in Forward’s 20th anniversary year before stepping down last month.

He died on his 58th birthday yesterday at home with his wife and daughters at his bedside.

Jackie Hendley, chair of Birmingham Forward and tax partner at KPMG, said: “Richard was truly passionate about Birmingham.  An ‘adopted Brummie’, he called the city his home (having moved here in 1996) and has spent the last four years as chief executive working with Birmingham Forward to boost Birmingham’s reputation and inward investment in the region.

“Richard has done a fantastic job for Birmingham Forward, and the city as a whole, and he will be sorely missed.”

Jerry Blackett, chief executive of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “We have lost a dedicated advocate of Birmingham. His contribution to promoting its reputation and encouraging inward investment will be sadly missed.”

Former Hammonds and Browne Jacobson consultant Mary Daunt was appointed as interim CEO of Birmingham Forward following Mr Brennan’s resignation.