Cornwall Chamber appoints interim chief executive

Current boss John Brown is stepping down after nearly two years in the role

Cornwall Chamber of Commerce has appointed its current president as interim chief executive. Toby Parkins will take the helm of the organisation as it looks to hire a replacement for former boss John Brown.

It is understood Mr Parkins will focus on “maintaining the strategic position” of the chamber as well as supporting the team who deliver business services such as events, membership and trade support.

Laura Whyte, chair of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are extremely grateful to Toby for stepping into this role at an important time for the chamber. His leadership, insight, and deep understanding of our organisation will provide the continuity we need as we look to the future. This gives us the time and space to find the right long-term successor while ensuring our work continues without disruption.”

Mr Brown, meanwhile, will remain on the board and continue to provide support during the transition period, particularly focusing on policy development, according to the chamber.

“I’m privileged to support the chamber during this transition period,” said Mr Parkins. “Cornwall’s business community is resilient and innovative, and I look forward to working closely with the board, team, and members to continue delivering value and impact. One of the main objectives to ensure our next permanent chief executive has a strong chamber to go forward with.”

Mr Brown is stepping down as chamber chief after nearly two years in the role. He is taking up a full-time executive job within a private sector organisation.

“We are proud of the contribution John has made to the chamber and to the wider business community, and we remain firmly on track with our priorities and ambitions to provide Cornwall with a strong, credible and commercially grounded voice,” Ms Whyte said previously.

“We are excited that John will bring his enthusiasm at a strategic board level and with his new role driving crucial new investment into Cornwall, that connection is something we welcome. We believe in celebrating progression, so when talented people step into roles that help drive Cornwall forward, that is something to celebrate.”