Faulkner to step down from Chamber role

Paul Faulkner is set to leave his position as chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

He will take up a new role as chief of staff and operations within the group of businesses owned by the Richardson family.

GBCC chairman David Waller wished Mr Faulkner “every success” in his new career and added: “I am sure that you will join me in giving Paul our heartfelt thanks for all of the work and leadership he has given to the Chamber over the past six years.

“I am naturally very saddened that he has decided to leave our family but I thoroughly understand his reasons.

“Paul will remain as CEO of the Chamber for the coming months and I have asked him to work closely with me to help to ensure a smooth and effective transition with his successor.”

Faulkner, who is a former chief executive of Aston Villa FC and Nottingham Forest, recently led the sale of Chamber of Commerce House to Mercia Real Estate for £4.75m in a move that secures the Chamber’s long-term future.

He said: “I’m very sad to be leaving the brilliant team at the Chamber, although equally excited by this next chapter in my own career. As a business support organisation the Chamber is absolutely second to none, and I am proud to have led its development since June, 2015, working alongside a host of fantastic individuals.

The Richardson family business was founded by Roy Richardson and his late brother Don more than 70 years ago in Oldbury. The family now operates international real estate and private equity businesses, with these having being successfully run for the past 20 years by brothers Martyn, Lee and Carl Richardson.

Carl Richardson said: “We are always looking to work with excellent people to further expand our family interests, Paul more than fits that bill. We are very pleased to welcome him on board as part of the senior team.”