April 2023

Acclaimed Birmingham business leader brings expertise to benefit students

By Melanie Hall

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A young leadership winner dedicated to creating opportunities for the region is now bringing her expertise to University College Birmingham.

Henrietta Brealey, who recently won at The West Midlands Leadership Awards, has joined the Corporation that steers the University’s policies and its strategic direction.

The dynamic leader is accustomed to breaking new ground. Henrietta became the youngest chief executive in the history of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce in 2021 at the age of just 30, following acclaimed campaigns around Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I’m looking forward to working even more closely with an institution that is so focused on creating opportunities for the city’s young people and making a substantial impact on the local economy"

Henrietta Brealey CEO, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce

She was recognised for her work at TheBusinessDesk.com awards in front of 200 business leaders from across the region at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel. The awards, sponsored by Curium Solutions, celebrate people who are role models within their organisations and raise the bar for their competitors.

Henrietta is now concentrating on her new role at University College Birmingham.

Henrietta won the Young Leader award at the 2023 West Midlands Leadership Awards

“As a passionate advocate for business engagement with education, I’m looking forward to working even more closely with an institution that is so focused on creating opportunities for the city’s young people and making a substantial impact on the local economy,” she said.

In the context of the current economic climate, she said retaining and developing talent was at the front of mind for every employer.

“I am therefore delighted to be joining University College Birmingham’s governing board and building on the existing links between our organisations,” she added.

That theme was echoed by TheBusinessDesk.com’s West Midlands assistant editor, Anna Cooper, who said: “The last few years have revealed that the most successful leaders are those able to adapt.

“Leaders who can navigate the twists and turns of the ever-changing business landscape and forge on through economic uncertainty are vital in this post-pandemic world.”

The Corporation is the University’s governing body and safeguards the good name and values of the University. It is responsible for setting its strategic direction and policies governing all aspects of activity, including finances and assets, and is chaired by Nigel Moss.

Find out more about working in partnership with University College Birmingham and contact our Hired team to discover more about our work with regional businesses to stimulate economic growth and meet the skills gap.