The Devon Chamber executive team is dedicated to helping your business make the most of your membership. If you need help or are interested in joining, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Chief Executive Officer
Helen brings a wealth of leadership experience spanning strategic consultancy, governance, digital innovation, and regional transformation. She previously served as CEO of Cornish broadband provider Wildanet Ltd, where she led the company through rapid scale-up, and is currently Co-Founder of South West AI Solutions Ltd. A seasoned Executive and Non-Executive Director, Helen has advised organisations across a wide range of sectors and growth stages. Her career includes senior roles at Lumo, Parcelforce, Lloyds General Insurance, ADT Tyco, O2, Vodafone, and the Transport Systems and Connected Places Catapults. Originally from the South West, Helen is a passionate advocate for regional business and economic development. Her remit as CEO will focus on driving business growth and opportunity across the whole of Devon – ensuring that businesses, wherever they are based, feel connected, supported, and represented.
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Operating Officer and Executive Board Director for the Plymouth Place Board, with responsibility for International Trade as the Chamber looks to expand its global trade offer in 2026. People are Clare’s passion, and her background includes finance services and hospitality (including managing a nightclub in Hong Kong in the 1990s!).
Richard Marsh is Chief Growth Officer of the Devon Chamber of Commerce and Executive Board Director for the Exeter Place Board. His county-wide remit will focus on supporting members, strengthening partnerships, and leading strategic bids for government funding.
With a career in marketing spanning over three decades, Richard is a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, business owners, managers, and investors – helping them grow, position, and market their organisations through strategic marketing and business development.
Previously, Richard was a key figure at Coastal Recycling, where he joined as a consultant and became part of the management buyout team. As Group Business Development Director, he helped transform the company from a public sector-focused waste management firm into a dynamic resource recovery business serving over 2,500 clients. His leadership was instrumental in establishing an employee ownership trust to secure the company’s long-term future.
Richard led full-service agency RH Advertising for 23 years, joining the firm as an apprentice and rising to Managing Director and eventually Chairman.
Kirsty is our Membership Executive. Having vast experience in business development, she is a real people person with a passion for problem solving, and a great understanding of the needs and challenges faced by businesses of all sizes. Working closely with the Membership Experience Manager, her role is to work with new and existing members to identify and understand how best we can help support and grow your business, by recommending the best membership fit for you. A keen drawer and animal mad, she is originally from Essex, and has lived and worked in Devon since 2010.
Clare joined Exeter Chamber in 2023, and is the first point of contact for businesses who want to make the most of their membership benefits.
She comes from a background in communications and events, having previously worked in the public sector and several independent local businesses in and around the Exeter area.
International Trade Administration Apprentice
Danny joined the Chamber as our International Trade Administration Apprentice. Having grown up in South East Asia, he brings a global perspective and a natural curiosity for how businesses connect across borders. In his role, Danny supports the international trade team with documentation, client coordination, and learning the intricacies of export procedures. He’s enthusiastic about developing his skills and contributing to the success of local businesses in international markets. Outside of work, Danny enjoys swimming, hiking, and making the most of Devon’s stunning outdoors.
Kelly is our Events Executive and is responsible for producing and delivering a suite of high-quality events for both members and non-members to the Chamber right across Devon. She has a wealth of experience in event management, marketing and customer service from a variety of different sectors and loves taking an idea, thought or suggestion (no matter “how off the wall”) through from conception to fruition. Kelly is partial to a glass of wine or gin and really enjoys cooking for friends and family.
International Trade Executive
Elaine joined the Devon Chamber of Commerce in January 2026 and is looking forward to helping businesses and the Chamber grow its International Trade portfolio. A Royal Navy veteran with 22 years’ service, much of her career was spent as a Dental Practice Manager, involving organisational development, operational management and strategic leadership and management across the military, corporate, charity and sports sectors.
Elaine has built a career defined by her ability to lead high-performing teams, drive cultural and operational change and deliver meaningful community impact.
Outside of her professional commitments, she is a keen golfer who loves to travel, and values spending quality time with family and friends, embracing every opportunity to unwind, explore new places and enjoys meaningful connections.
International Trade Executive
Tabea’s career began in Germany, where she trained as a Foreign Language Secretary before gaining language-focused work experience across Europe.
After moving to Devon in 2016, Tabea developed a background in customer service, most recently as Customer Service Supervisor for a supplier and manufacturer of ecological equipment.
She brings strong communication skills, attention to detail and a supportive approach, and now looks forward to helping members with their international trade needs.
MEC Administrator Apprentice
Olivia joined the Chamber as the MEC Administration Apprentice. Olivia is excited to begin her journey here, learning the ropes and supporting the team with member engagement, event coordination, and communications. Olivia is looking forward to developing her skills and contributing wherever she can as she grows into the role.
Jemma joined Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce as an International Trade Executive in June 2024, and is looking forward to helping businesses with their International Trade documents. Jemma started her career in Administration and Logistics roles for an audiovisual and medical broadcast company where she spent six years coordinating crews and equipment for conferences and events both nationally and internationally. It was in this role that Jemma first learned about ATA Carnets! She then moved to a role as a Logistics Coordinator for a supplier and manufacturer of ecological equipment, sending research equipment around the world from wildlife sanctuaries in Zambia to Antarctic research vessels in Chile. This allowed her to gain experience in submitting documents such as UK Certificates of Origin and EUR1.
Senior Programmes Administrator
PJ joined the team as Project Administrator for the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) with a background in admin, law and five years spent living in Spain, he brings a strong eye for detail, a global outlook and a passion for organisation, supporting the LSIP with project coordination and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. He’s especially motivated by work that supports the people, whether that’s helping individuals access opportunities or contributing to a stronger, more skilled workforce. Outside of work, PJ enjoys exploring new places, learning languages and soaking up any opportunity for sunshine.
Accounts Assistant
Samuel studied BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance and is working towards an ACCA qualification. He has previously worked at the International Tennis Federation in London as an Accounts Payable, with a passion of analysing and solving business numbers.
Samuel moved to Plymouth in 2026 and is a keen tennis enthusiast, playing regularity in his spare time.
Helen has returned on a part-time basis as Company Secretary, supporting governance across the Chamber Board and Place Boards alongside her existing work with the Plymouth Area Business Council. A keen gardener and walker, in her spare time, Helen can be found either walking the lanes and footpaths around Devon or in her garden and allotment, growing organic fruit and vegetables for her family.
Chamber members are three times more likely to survive – and thrive – than other businesses.
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