New director to lead Chamber 's external activities

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has announced the appointment of a new director to lead its external affairs activities.

Raj Kandola (pictured) has been promoted to the role of director of external affairs, having previously held the position of head of policy and strategic relationships.

In his new position, Raj will oversee the direction of the organisation 's policy, patronage, stakeholder engagement and press and PR operations.

He said: “I'm thrilled to have been given this opportunity to become the GBCC's first ever director of external affairs.

"I've been with the Chamber for six years and it's been an honour to work for an organisation that is embedded in the fabric of the region and has supported the business community through a series of seismic challenges.

"As we emerge from this period of uncertainty, the Chambers' external affairs offering will become even more prominent - I look forward to working with my team to drive this agenda forward."

Raj joined the GBCC in November 2016, initially as a senior policy advisor specialising in transport and infrastructure policy.

He had previously spent eight years in London recruiting for investment banks and asset managers before relocating to the Midlands to work in communications for a former Shadow Minister.

In 2021, he was promoted to head of policy - later becoming head of policy and strategic relationships to reflect his role in developing the Chamber 's patronage scheme.

Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “Raj 's in-depth knowledge and experience of the Chamber and local business community, together with his proven track record as a highly effective spokesperson, leader and manager, make him ideally suited to this role.

“He brings a genuine passion for understanding, representing and promoting Greater Birmingham 's businesses.

“I am excited to see how he continues to develop as a leader both within the Chamber and the city-region.

“I look forward to the Chambers ' external affairs activity on behalf of our members continuing to go from strength to strength under his direction. ”