Margaret Corneby named as next chief executive of Black Country Chamber of Commerce

Oct 16 2009 by Graeme Brown, Birmingham Post

Black Country Chamber of Commerce has revealed that former Wolverhampton chamber director Margaret Corneby will take over as its new chief executive.

Ms Corneby will succeed the current chief executive, David Chambers, when he steps down in March 2010. She will THEN be responsible for the overall management of the Black Country Chamber covering three subsidiaries, with 45 staff at four locations and 1,600 members.

Ms Corneby joined the Wolverhampton Chamber as representation and policy manager in 1998, becoming director of Wolverhampton in 2001 when the four chambers of the Black Country merged. In 2008, she became area director for Wolverhampton and Dudley chambers.

Peter Mathews, president of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said Ms Corneby has a wide experience of working in business and industry, which began in 1970 when she was the only female salesperson for a steel stockholder in Cradley Heath.

He added: “The board is delighted to have Margaret take on this position. It is a natural progression and her knowledge of the Chamber can only be a great asset to us for the future.”

Ms Corneby said she was “thrilled” to have been chosen as the new chief executive. She added: “I look forward to the exciting challenges ahead and to build on the work so ably undertaken by David Chambers in previous years.

“I am very passionate about the Black Country and I am eager to ensure the chamber continues to represent the views of members, lobby for their issues and requirements and strive to influence policy. The chamber will continue to play its part in helping to create an environment where business can flourish.”

Mr Chambers, who is retiring from the chamber, said: “We are extremely pleased that Margaret will take over as chief executive.

“Margaret has already impressed us with her outstanding contribution to the work of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and I am confident she will create a successful future at the chamber.”