East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce appoints new Chief Executive
East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Brierley as its new Chief Executive, effective 1 September 2026.
Following a comprehensive and competitive recruitment process, the Board selected Simon to lead the Chamber through its next phase of development. A respected business leader with more than 20 years’ senior leadership experience, Simon takes up the role after serving as the Chamber’s Membership Director since 2019. During that time he has played a significant role in strengthening member engagement, supporting organisational performance and contributing to the Chamber’s culture, values and strategic direction.
Prior to joining the Chamber, Simon spent 14 years as Managing Director of Lancashire Broadcasting Company, known locally as 2BR, where he led the organisation through periods of change and growth while building a strong people-focused culture. As Chief Executive, Simon will work with the Board, colleagues, members and partners to build upon the Chamber’s strong foundations, championing the interests of East Lancashire businesses, strengthening the organisation’s influence and supporting economic growth across the region.
Simon said:
“It is an immense privilege to be appointed Chief Executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. Having worked alongside our members, partners, Board and colleagues over recent years, I have seen first-hand the important role the Chamber plays in supporting businesses and helping shape the future of our region. East Lancashire is a place I care deeply about and one that presents significant opportunities. Businesses are operating in an increasingly complex and fast-changing environment, and the Chamber’s role as a trusted source of support, influence and connectivity has never been more important.
My ambition is to build on the Chamber’s strong foundations, ensuring we continue to provide value to our members while strengthening our partnerships and influence across the region. I firmly believe that culture drives performance. By investing in our people, living our values and creating an environment where colleagues can thrive, we can deliver excellent outcomes for our members, our partners and the wider regional economy.”
Catherine Ogden, Chair of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Board, said:
“Following a comprehensive and competitive recruitment process, the Board is delighted to appoint Simon as our next Chief Executive. We considered a strong field of candidates and in our view Simon was the outstanding choice to lead the Chamber forward. Simon brings a combination of strategic thinking, commercial insight, a deep understanding of the Chamber and strong relationships across the East Lancashire business community. Throughout his career he has demonstrated the ability to lead through change, bring people together and deliver sustainable growth. The Board was particularly impressed by Simon’s commitment to organisational culture and his belief that people are at the heart of long-term success.
The Chamber is entering an exciting new chapter. We are committed to building upon our existing strengths while continuing to evolve to meet the changing needs of businesses across East Lancashire, and we are confident that Simon has the leadership and ambition to help us achieve that.”
Simon formally took up the role on 1 September 2026.
To learn more about the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, visit: www.chamberelancs.co.uk
