Exeter Chamber has appointed a new chair to lead the board through its next term. Steve Gates, formerly vice chair of Exeter Chamber and current managing director of Taking Care (part of AXA Health) was appointed at the organisation’s November AGM.
Steve Gates succeeds Clodagh Murphy, who successfully served as Chair since 2020.
The new chair brings with him a wealth of experience and is an inspirational senior business leader with extensive understanding of the health and social care, insurance, and financial services markets. Steve has a long history of experience in leadership in the Chambers of Commerce movement, having previously held the position of vice president of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and chair of the local Chamber committee in Winchester for five years.
Steve’s vision for the Chamber going forward will focus on raising the profile of the organisation locally and continuing to provide a strong voice for businesses.
Steve Gates comments on his new appointment; “I’m delighted to have been appointed as the new chair of Exeter Chamber. I’d like to thank the Board for their support, and I’d like to extend my gratitude to Clodagh Murphy who has built tremendous momentum in driving the Chamber forward.
“During my term as chair, I’m looking forward to supporting our CEO Richard Marsh in helping the Chamber grow its membership and deliver new initiatives and events for the year ahead.”
Richard Marsh, CEO of Exeter Chamber adds: “Steve has been an integral part of the executive board since joining the board in December 2021. As chair I have no doubt that he will continue to drive business success for the city and Greater Exeter. His experience and passion for business and putting Exeter on the map is something I look forward to working with him and the rest of the board going forward.”
As the leading independent business membership organisation, Exeter Chamber continues to connect businesses and build knowledge through its well-established series of events. The Chamber rounds of the year with its annual Christmas Party on November 18 at Côte Brasserie – with members and non-members invited to join the celebration.
2023 is set to be a big year for the Chamber, with a number of exciting new initiatives and events in the pipeline, including a brand-new Next Generation Board, aimed at those starting out in their professional careers and new start up entrepreneurs.
The Exeter Chamber board is made up of 14 professionals representing key industries including retail, hospitality, health, education, finance, media, legal, transport, manufacturing, skills, recruitment, property and science and technology.
For more information about Exeter Chamber visit www.exeterchamber.co.uk