New Vice Lord-Lieutenant revealed for the West Midlands
Louise Bennett OBE, former CEO of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has been appointed as Vice Lord-Lieutenant to the West Midlands’ Lord-Lieutenant, Sir John Crabtree OBE.
The role of Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands is for a three-year term and involves assisting the Lord-Lieutenant in the performance of his duties as the King’s representative. The West Midlands is the second largest lieutenancy in England and Wales and supports a population of nearly three million people.
Bennett, who succeeds Professor Helen Higson OBE, Professor of Higher Education Learning and Management at Aston University, has a career that has spanned both the public and private sectors, with roles in the NHS and the retail sector.
She was High Sheriff of the County of the West Midlands in 2021 and was recently appointed Chair of the High Sheriff Nominations Committee for the West Midlands. Bennett sits on the High Sheriff Association’s Council of England and Wales and is a Trustee of Crimebeat – a charity supported by the High Sheriff Association.
From 2003 to December 2022, Bennett was CEO of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. She is also President of Warwickshire College University Centre, a pro bono post she has held since October 2022.
Louise Bennett, Sir John Crabtree, Prof Helen Higson
In 2007, Bennett was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list for her services to business.
With a strong commitment to young people, Bennett has also held voluntary positions with school, college and university boards, as well as being a career and enterprise adviser in the West Midlands. As approved foster carers, Bennett and her husband have welcomed young people into their home for more than a decade, with the aim of providing a safe environment, warmth, support and a real commitment to raising young people’s aspirations in life.
Commenting on her appointment, Bennett said: “I am honoured to be appointed Vice Lord-Lieutenant and in particular am looking forward to working with the Lord-Lieutenant to continue supporting the communities of the West Midlands.
“I have a particular interest in young people, skills and enterprise and intend to continue the invaluable work of the Lieutenancy to enable more people to benefit from the many opportunities that this great region can offer.”
The Lord-Lieutenant, Sir John Crabtree, added: “I am greatly looking forward to working with Louise whose passion for the West Midlands and its varied communities is evident from her extensive and varied work to date. I would also like to thank Professor Higson who has worked incredibly hard during a remarkable period in the West Midlands as we have recovered from the pandemic and welcomed many thousands of visitors to our region whilst engaging with so many different groups.”
Prof Higson, who steps down as Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands and whose three-year term included Coventry’s Capital of Culture in 2021 and the Commonwealth Games in 2022 said: “I wish Louise great enjoyment in her role and know she will work hard with the Lord-Lieutenant in serving the communities of the West Midlands representing His Majesty The King. I have particularly enjoyed meeting people from across the region in schools, care homes and community events.
“This opportunity has given me an added respect for the armed forces in our region. I now look forward to continuing to support the Lord-Lieutenant in my position as a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands.”
