Leadership duo to guide Chamber during CEO’s maternity leave
Two senior leaders at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce are stepping up to guide the organisation during CEO Henrietta Brealey’s maternity leave.
Helen Bates and Raj Kandola will take on interim leadership roles until spring 2026, ensuring continuity at the helm of the region’s business membership body.
Brealey 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.”
“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.”
Bates, the Chamber’s CFO since 2017, steps into the role of managing director, overseeing internal operations.
She previously held interim CEO positions at Birmingham Hippodrome and the Festival City Theatres Trust.
She 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.”
Kandola becomes interim deputy chief executive, taking charge of external engagement.
Since joining the Chamber in 2016, he has played a key role in policy and stakeholder relations, most recently serving as director of external affairs.
Kandola 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.”
