Business leader moves on to run second Chamber

Chamber of Commerce boss Corin Crane is to swap the Black Country for Coventry and Warwickshire.

He will leave the Black Country Chamber at the start of the summer after six years to lead the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber.

In January Louise Bennett revealed she was standing down after nearly 20 years as chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

Crane said: “These last six years with the Black Country Chamber have been the highlight of my career. I’ve been privileged to visit incredible businesses, meet remarkable people, and help champion the great things that take place every day in this dynamic local economy.

“We’ve had awards ceremonies, business festivals, economic conferences, the break with our largest trading market, lockdowns, general elections and more. To have been able to do this in the name of Black Country Chamber members has been a true honour.”

Phil Pursey, chair of the Chamber’s board of directors said: “Corin brought energy and enthusiasm to the Black Country and set the Chamber on a course which has seen us rapidly modernise as an organisation across many areas of our operation.

“Going on to become a well-known and respected business figure, Corin’s leadership has meant that the Chamber remains primed to deliver the types of business support our members rely on as we emerge from one of the toughest trading periods many of us working in business today have ever experienced.

“Corin has ensured that the voice of Black Country business is heard and championed at the highest levels and, although he will still play a part as a passionate advocate for the West Midlands, his contribution closer to home will be missed.”