WBA director steps up to senior Black Country Chamber role

THE Black Country Chamber of Commerce has announced its new president – but not the one most people were expecting.

Kevin Rogers, chief executive of Wolverhampton-based Paycare, had been lined up as the successor to Ninder Johal but he has had to pull out because of work commitments.

Instead, Adrian Wright, sales and marketing director at West Bromwich Albion, will now assume the role.

The business organisation said Mr Wright was well suited to the position as since joining the Premier League club its commercial revenue had more than doubled.

The former Head of Corporate Sales at Birmingham City Football Club has also been instrumental in forging Albion’s links with the booming Indian football market.

He said: “Obviously I am delighted by this opportunity, albeit my feelings are tinged with sadness. Kevin is a great leader and I was looking forward to working with him to deliver great results.
 
“The Black Country is a great place for business and I want to make sure that we navigate our way through the global headwinds and establish ourselves as the premier location worldwide for what we do best.”
 
Mr Rogers said he had reluctantly given up the position but the chamber remained close to his heart.

“The demands placed on me as a result of our (Paycare) growth, to ensure that as an organisation we continue to deliver the very best customer care to our policyholders and the local community, as well as our own team, means that it is with sincere regret that I have had to withdraw from my planned presidency,” he said.  
 
“My decision has not been taken lightly and I am disappointed not to be able to represent the wonderful businesses in our region, nor to be able to help drive forward further positive change. I do however want to take this opportunity to wish the ongoing chamber team every success for the future.”
 
Keith Bryan, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: “I know how disappointed Kevin is at having to step down. Nevertheless, we are grateful for all the hard work he put in whilst he was Vice President and delighted, not only that his business is booming, but some of it is as a result of his membership of the chamber.

“The appointment of Adrian provides for a new perspective on chamber affairs and I am looking forward to a challenging and productive future.”