Young professionals networking group Birmingham Future has installed its new chairwoman.
Samantha Miller, an associate in the real estate dispute resolution team at law firm Eversheds Sutherland, has taken over from incumbent Katie Fulcher.
The formal handover took place last night at an event in the city during which guests heard from both women, with Ms Miller outlining her vision for the year ahead which will include the organisation's annual Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards.
For the first time, there will not be a deputy chairman appointed but a new leadership structure instead that has seen four roles created.
Guy Revell from Colmore Capital is the new commercial officer, Jess Hurley from Core Marketing will take on responsibility for marketing, Adam Rollason from Grant Thornton is the new finance officer and Beth Sadler from Oaks Consultancy is membership experience officer.
Ms Miller said: "The new leadership structure was designed to give the organisation a greater platform in which to enhance and improve the membership experience. We will be investing significant time and resources to develop our digital profile and use technology to better communicate and interact with the membership."
It was also confirmed at last night's event that a leadership development programme run in conjunction with Aston University will enter its fourth year and a new digital leadership programme in collaboration with the University of Birmingham will be available to Birmingham Future members.
Ms Fulcher, who leads stakeholder engagement at Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, added: "I have learned that leadership can be hard, challenging and yet ultimately very rewarding. That no-one can work alone and running an organisation like Birmingham Future is a team effort built on support and collaboration and finally that effective leaders are true to themselves and it is vital to be authentic in everything you do."