Brennan steps down from Forward to battle illness
RICHARD BRENNAN, the chief executive of Birmingham Forward, has stepped down from his role due to ill-health.
Mr Brennan, who has held the post since 2006, has been fighting cancer for the past six months, but has continued to help steer the professional services membership organisation through several events to celebrate its 20th anniversary year.
However, he told Forward’s new chair Jackie Hendley of his decision to step down this week.
Ms Hendley, a tax partner at KPMG, said: “Richard has been battling with cancer for the past six months. After careful consideration he has decided to resign his position.
“I know many will join me in thanking Richard for all that he’s done in his four year tenure to further Birmingham’s professional services cause and forward our best wishes to Richard and his family.”
Forward has appointed former Hammonds and Browne Jacobson consultant Mary Daunt as interim CEO.
Ms Hendley said: “Mary will work closely with both me, the board and office teams to ensure we continue to do our best to provide an environment of excellence in our drive to make Birmingham the city of choice for business and professional services.”
Earlier this month, Birmingham Forward chair Graham Nicoll shocked members when he resigned following a promotion in Barclays Wealth which would see him spend most of his time in London. The departures of long-term staff operations manager Jo Sollom and events organiser Isobel Drabble added to recent changes at the organisation.
