One of Wales’ biggest business membership organisations, Chambers Wales, has appointed Gus Williams as interim chief executive.
It follows the departure in September of the chamber’s former chief executive Paul Butterworth a few weeks short of being in post for two years. Earlier this month the chamber’s chairman and president, Paul Clark, resigned from the board.
The chamber were asked to give reasons for their respective departures, but said it didn’t comment on personnel issues. The chamber has started the process of appointing a new chair.
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Mr Williams is chief executive of Swansea-based chartered accountancy firm Bevan Buckland. He will combine his existing role with his new interim chamber position.
Prior to joining Bevan Buckland, Mr Williams had a career in international banking. His appointment follows a strengthening of the chamber’s trade team which saw David Peña join as international trade manager to assist members, partners and businesses in Wales with their exporting and importing needs.
Mr Williams said: “Chambers Wales continues to be more than just a business support organisation; it’s a leading voice for business in Wales, playing a vital role in supporting people within our member and partner businesses.
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“Its international network also makes it uniquely positioned to bring Wales to the world, and the world to Wales.
“The key pillars of our support are around our events, which continue to prove extremely popular, international trade support, and of course, our flagship awards. Each of these help to enable people to connect and work together regionally, nationally or internationally.
“I am excited to lead the chamber in its next chapter, and work with the team to use our network and expertise to support businesses in Wales through both good and challenging times as businesses respond to a range of legislative changes, and announcements expected from the Chancellor in Wednesday’s Budget.”
Penny Lock, the chamber’s director of partnerships, said: “Hundreds of our partners and members have been involved in our engaging and impactful events through the past year.
“The chamber will continue to build and develop this programme in consultation with those partners and members, in particular, the 2025 Wales Business Awards.”
Chambers Wales has around 400 members.