Black Country Chamber of Commerce has appointed a new chief executive.
Corin Crane will join the business lobbying and networking group later this year from Leicester & Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership where is a director responsible for around £200 million of funds to drive regeneration and help businesses grow.
He is also chairman of the European Structural Funds Committee which oversees the management of around £90 million of funding aimed at developing skills and growing small businesses.
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Mr Crane also set up and chairs the Leicester Business Festival which is now an annual two-week event and was previously head of economic partnerships and inward investment at City of Wolverhampton Council.
He said: "I am really proud to be taking up this role.
"I know the area well and understand what a diverse and entrepreneurial cluster of businesses are based here, with such a clear sense of identity.
"I also know that, for all the opportunities there are at the moment for forward-looking businesses, there are also a huge amount of challenges from Brexit, from a slow-down in manufacturing, imports being hit by a weaker pound and foreign investors delaying decisions in an uncertain political environment.
"The chamber has a long history of supporting businesses to seize opportunities regardless of national economic trends and in making the business voice heard at every level of decision makers."
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Adrian Wright, Black Country Chamber of Commerce president, added: "Corin can really help build for the future by creating a bigger and stronger chamber to support local businesses.
"He also has a wealth of experience and knowledge to bring to his new role which will help to continue the great work the chamber team is doing."
Mr Crane is due to take up the role in October.