One of the most prominent voices of the North East business community - Chamber of Commerce chief executive James Ramsbotham - is to leave his role.
Mr Ramsbotham will step down later this year and take over as chair of Newcastle Building Society. He has been in the role for 15 years, during which time the Chamber re-branded and celebrated its 200th anniversary.
A process of appointing a new chief executive has started, with Mr Ramsbotham staying in post until a replacement takes over, probably in the autumn.
Tributes have been paid to his work from a wide cross-section of the business community.
Announcing his departure, Mr Ramsbotham said: “I am very proud and immensely fortunate to have worked with a phenomenal team of people, both staff and members, at the Chamber. We have achieved a great deal for businesses and other employers across the region and for everyone who works for them.
“The Chamber is in good shape to face the future and to support its members as it has done for over two centuries. I have enjoyed every moment and have been privileged to work with so many incredible companies and other enterprises, helping them to maximise opportunities around the world and to thrive in the most impressive way.
“Perhaps my fondest memories are of 2015 and our year-long celebration to mark the Chamber’s 200th Anniversary, culminating in a spectacular dinner at Durham Cathedral.
“It’s been a difficult decision to step back from the Chamber but, after 15 years as chief executive, I believe the time is right. I wish the team, our members and my successor every success in the future and they should all know they can always rely on my support.”
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The announcement of Mr Ramsbotham’s departure coincided with him being revealed as the new chair of Newcastle Building Society, replacing long-time chair Phil Moorhouse.
Mr Ramsbotham comes to the role having held the same position at Darlington Building Society for five years and having worked in banking at Barclays for more than a decade.
Andrew Haigh, CEO of Newcastle Building Society, said: “After a thorough recruitment search, we are delighted to have nominated James Ramsbotham as our next chair and we very much look forward to him joining the board in the months ahead.
“We are extremely grateful to our current chair, Phil Moorhouse, for his outstanding service and leadership over the last 10 years. Phil’s time as chair has included some very challenging periods, not least in the last 12 months, but despite these, the society has continued to flourish and make a significant contribution for our members and our region.
Chamber president Lesley Moody said Mr Ramsbotham had been “a great champion of our business community” while Chamber chair John Marshall said “James will be the hardest of acts to follow”.
Mr Ramsbotham’s annoucement is the latest high profile departure in the region to be announced in recent weeks, with Newcastle City Council chief executive Pat Ritchie and Northumbria University vice chancellor Prof Andrew Wathey both stepping down, while city centre group NE1 has also just announced a new leader.
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