Ed James gets Birmingham Press Club nod

RADIO presenter Ed James has won the race to become the new chairman of Birmingham Press Club.

James, the award-winning Heart FM breakfast show presenter, beat former ITV former ITV Central presenter Llewela Bailey in the election.

He succeeds John Lamb, press & PR manager at Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, who has decided to step down after seven years in office. In recognition of his services to the press club, Lamb has been appointed as vice-president, with special responsibility for liaising with the business community.

James, who paid tribute to the “sterling contribution” made to the club by his predecessor, often in “difficult times,” said: “The press club name carries a great tradition and history. I am proud to be at the heart of its future development.”

A press club director for the last six years, James said he wants the club to build on its strengths and to further partnership links with organisations relevant to the media/public relations industry and the business community. He also plans to bring new people onto the board and to engage more with digital media outlets.

Former magazine editor Fred Bromwich is to continue as vice-chairman while Adrian Kibbler, who runs his own Birmingham-based public relations consultancy, has been appointed membership secretary in succession to Tony Bell.

Birmingham Press Club is the oldest of its kind in the world, having been founded in 1865.