Lochaber Chamber chief stands down
Lochaber Chamber of Commerce chief executive Lesley Benfield has announced that she is to stand down from her position.
Mrs Benfield will remain in post until her replacement is found, before moving to a new role within the Chamber to lead the Developing the Young Workforce programme for West Highland.
‘After a good run as the chief executive of one of the most active rural Chambers of Commerce in Scotland, I think it is the right time for the organisation to recruit fresh thinking to keep delivering for members of the Chamber,’ said Mrs Benfield.
‘Arrangements for the appointment of my successor are already being put in place and we look forward to welcoming a new chief executive to lead the team by early 2019.’
Mrs Benfield took up the role of chief executive in October 2013 and led the Chamber through the merger of Fort William Chamber of Commerce and the Outdoor Capital of the UK Ltd in 2014.
‘We are proud of our successes over the past five years due in part to Lesley’s leadership and the performance of the team at the Chamber,’ said president Bruno Berardelli.
‘We appreciate all she has done for the Chamber and respect her decision. We are glad that Lesley will be remain as a key part of the Chamber team in her new role.’
Frazer Coupland, former destination manager at Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, will be joining the Chamber’s executive team on a temporary basis as interim destination management organisation manager, effective from October 29, until a new chief executive is in place.
Mr Berardelli added: ‘We are pleased that Frazer Coupland, who recently led a refresh of the Outdoor Capital of the UK destination strategy, will be on hand to support Lesley through the leadership transition.’