‘When you look at the spread of talent you see some incredibly able women around today, and we want to celebrate that.’
From the world of academia is Helen Higson, who is senior pro-vice-chancellor at Aston University. She plays a leading role in international relations, work placements and employment, outreach and schools liaison. Professor Higson was
awarded an OBE in the 2011 New Year’s Honours list. Katie said: “She is a very high profile individual – the university itself has been trailblazing, in terms of high profile women.”
Another high profile woman in the region is Kathryn James, who was appointed managing director of the prestigious National Exhibition Centre in 2007. A chartered accountant by
trade, Kathryn joined the NEC from Luton Airport, where she was also managing director. At the NEC, she is responsible
for the strategic direction of the venue, which includes developing the business and increasing its revenue and profitability. Kathryn is a doctor of business
administration, and Katie said: “The NEC is enormously important to the success of the Midlands economy. “Under Kathryn’s stewardship, it has maintained its significance through a time of great economic uncertainty.”
Another leading chartered accountant in the region is Ruth Cooke, who has just been appointed as the new chief executive at Midland Heart, one of the biggest housing associations in the UK. Katie said: “Social housing is
very important, but Midland Heart is not just about that – it is looking to improve the lot of its tenants and open up new worlds to them, which is inspirational. Ruth, previously finance director at Midland Heart, is playing a key role in that – she is a board member of My Home Finance, a low cost credit provider working with those excluded from mainstream financial institutions.”
Last but not least is former Chamber president Christine Braddock, who is one of the region’s top educationalists. Christine is chief executive of Birmingham Metropolitan College, a leading provider of further and higher education in the region. It was created in 2009, following a merger between Matthew Boulton and Sutton Coldfield colleges. Katie said: “Christine made a huge difference in her year of office at the Chamber and is leading one of the most successful colleges in the UK. “Her work is upskilling the Birmingham workforce of the future and she has been acclaimed as a national leader in this area by business secretary Vince Cable.”
FEBRUARY 2012 CHAMBERLINK 7
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