Chamber appoints new COO to oversee global SME opportunities

THE Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has strengthened its senior management with the appointment of a new chief operating officer.

Russell Jeans, who has been leading the chamber’s membership team, has been elevated to the new position, which will also see him take responsibility for the chamber’s new International Hub.

The new hub was launched in September to bring together various global operations.

GBCG chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “Russell’s wide experience and expertise within the chamber will now be extended to take in international operations at this important time for global trade as we approach Brexit.
 
“Russell has led the membership team in a phenomenal period of growth as we have developed and enhanced our membership offer backed by refreshed branding and marketing operations.”
 
He said the new role would see Mr Jeans embrace the chamber’s extensive international services, which sees it dispense global trade advice to businesses of all sizes and sectors.
 
“The division also includes our outstanding translations and export documentation departments as well as providing access to overseas contacts,” added Mr Faulkner.
 
Mr Jeans, who will continue his brief for membership services, said: “The chamber’s  growth recently has been phenomenal and it’s important that we co-ordinate our broad portfolio of services.
 
“I look forward to fulfilling that role with our talented international team through business visits, trade fairs and training events as well as imparting extensive knowledge of overseas markets.”
 
Mr Jeans also spearheaded the integration of chambers in southern Staffordshire into the GBCG and worked with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP to secure its Growth Hub.

The programme has already delivered business assistance and advice for more than  600 SMEs in its first year.
 
Financial director Mike Hibbert will continue his role of overseeing contracts relating to the chamber’s work with the Department of International Trade (DIT) through West Midlands Chambers, based at Chamber House.