Last week (3 January) Sharon Smith was announced as the new Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, to take over from Mike Ashton on 1 April 2017.
Sharon has worked at the Chamber for 10 years and was appointed Deputy Chief Executive in 2014. Previously, she spent 13 years working for Business Link in Herefordshire and seven years working for a Manufacturing company in Hereford. In addition, she also achieved an MBA from the University of Worcester in 2009. Sharon’s current role as Deputy Chief Executive at the Chamber means that she has a wide knowledge of the services the Chamber offers and a strong understanding of the local business community.
The process to appoint a new Chief Executive began in October 2016 when Mike Ashton announced his planned retirement. The role attracted 80 candidates from Herefordshire, Worcestershire and beyond, and involved a vigorous two stage interview process with senior business leaders from across the two counties. The Board were unanimous in choosing Sharon for the post.
Jim McBride, Chairman of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Sharon has the full support of the Board and is the right person to take over from Mike on 1 April. We wish her every success”.
Sharon said: “I am delighted to have been successful in my application and I look forward to building on the success of the Chamber and strengthening our partnership with businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire”.
Mike Ashton, current Chief Executive, said: “I’m really pleased for Sharon and I look forward to seeing how her experience will take the Chamber forward. We will be working closely together over the next three months and I am certain that she will be successful in her new role as Chief Executive”.
To learn more about how Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce supports businesses in the two counties, visit www.hwchamber.co.uk or call 01905 673 600