The Chamber wishes to announce that its Chief Executive Professor Miranda Barker OBE DL and Deputy Chief Executive Louise Sydenham will be stepping down from their roles this year.
After nine years at East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Professor Miranda Barker OBE DL is stepping down from her role as Chief Executive of the Chamber to concentrate on her passion for low carbon innovation. As part of this, Miranda will focus her attention on her work with the RedCAT Group, an organisation which the Chamber is heavily involved with, and which Miranda has worked closely with throughout her time at the Chamber to promote its interests and support the wider Chamber community. Following her departure, Miranda will also continue to work in the national and international climate policy field, with the BCC, ICC and UN. In addition, she will continue to develop climate tech philanthropy through Petrichor, and a portfolio of low carbon focused NED roles. Miranda will of course continue to support the Chamber and the County as a whole in its positive political positioning and driving forward the economic strengths of Lancashire.
After 24 years at the Chamber, Louise Sydenham will also be stepping down as Deputy Chief Executive and will be leaving the Chamber later this year. Louise has made an exceptional contribution in her time, playing a pivotal role in the Chamber’s development, resilience and success over more than two decades. Louise has been instrumental in supporting colleagues and the wider business community during her time at the Chamber.
Both Miranda and Louise have immensely enjoyed working with the Chamber staff and the Chamber’s supporters and stakeholders from across the public and private sector.
Over the next few months, the Chamber’s Board will be working closely with both Miranda and Louise to ensure there is a smooth handover so that arrangements are in place to support the Chamber, its members and stakeholders.
While we appreciate this is a period of change for the Chamber, this comes at a time when the Chamber faces new opportunities and challenges as a result of the Local Government reorganisation. We believe the timing of these changes will provide a great opportunity for the Chambers’ new Chief Executive to review the Chamber’s strategy to ensure it supports the changing commercial landscape for Lancashire, while at the same time continuing to build and develop local relationships.
The Chamber would like to take this opportunity to thank both Miranda and Louise for their dedication and long service during their time at the Chamber and wish them well for the future.
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