The long-serving finance director of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is to retire after more than 20 years in the role.
Mike Hibbert was recruited in 1995 as the organisation's first full-time financial appointment at board level as the chamber's affairs had previously been looked after by honorary treasurers since its inception in 1813.
The 60-year-old has managed the chamber's property affairs and pension funds and also had spells in charge of its international division and work programme which oversees start-up businesses.
He said: "It was this wide diversity of the role which interested me so much. I haven't just been involved with the financial affairs of the chamber but, of course, these have been central to what I have been doing.
"The possible has been a huge responsibility in conjunction with colleagues and still very much at the forefront of the chamber's future."
Chief executive Paul Faulkner added: "Mike's input at the chamber has been invaluable.
"The job has required a broad area of expertise and he has been instrumental in guiding the chamber's fortunes, which at times have been challenging, over the past two decades.
"On a personal level, Mike has been a great support and source of counsel since I joined the chamber. He has been a fantastic colleague and an important part of the chamber's recent developments."
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Mr Hibbert studied at Aston University and previously worked for Whinney Murray, one of the forerunners of what is now financial services firm EY.
Originally, he joined the Chamber on a three-month secondment under the then chief executive Bob Moore.
Mr Hibbert said: "I have worked with three other chief executives and 22 different presidents from many aspects of business life, including property, finance, law, education, engineering, television, entrepreneurship and marketing.
"The other fascinating part has been involvement with so many business interests in the city through their membership of the chamber.
"All of this has made the job an amazing experience and it has been an honour to work in an organisation that has such a magnificent and integral heritage as part of one of the most important cities in the world."