The Isle of Wight Chamber will have a new chief executive in 2025. Speaking at the Chamber’s AGM on October 4th, Steven Holbrook announced his intention to resign as Chief Executive and to leave the business in August next year. He will remain in post until then, overseeing the Chamber’s flagship Awards and Expo events, and will work closely with the Chamber board to appoint his successor.
“After more than six fantastic years at the Chamber, I have come to the very difficult decision that it is time for me to move on,” Steven says. “In order to give the Board all the time they need, and also to make sure that I am at the helm to see my team through a full year of events, I will leave in August next year.
“My team mean an awful lot to me. They have supported me my entire journey and that is why I want to make my departure as comfortable as possible and to be as supportive of them as I can. I want to say a huge thanks to them for everything they have done to support me. They have been amazing.
“When I took the role at the Chamber in 2018 it brought me back into the orbit of Island life. I’ve always been a proud Islander. I was born and raised here. I made my career elsewhere but I chose to move my life here, and raise my family here. Although leaving the Chamber has been a hard decision for me, I look forward to new business opportunities on the Island and having the time to explore new positions that align with my values and interests. I won’t be retiring from public life and I look forward to building on the relationships and the friendships that I have made in the last six years.
“I am still in post for a long while yet and I look forward to my final 10 months being the best yet.”
The Chamber’s President Jonathan Thornton thanked Steven for his commitment to the Chamber and for his continued support as the organisation evolves in 2025. Also at the Chamber’s AGM, Alison Colley of Real Employment Law & HR was elected as Vice President. Mark Lee of Lifeline Alarms, Darren Toogood of Island Echo, Katy Taylor of Wightlink and Matt Greg of NOSY were all elected unopposed to the Chamber’s Board. The meeting was held at the New Holmwood Hotel in Cowes.
