German-born Hermann, co-owner of the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria, is one of Sheffield’s most respected business leaders having moved to the city in 2000.  

Hermann took over the President post from Richard Wright whose roles include Flood Tsar at Yorkshire Forward.

The main goal for Hermann’s Chamber presidency is maximising Sheffield’s potential for outside investment and overseeing the continued expansion of the city’s vibrant business community.

Hermann said: “It is a necessity in the current economic climate to generate a culture of being open and friendly to business, both to attract inward investment over competitor cities and to provide new avenues for joint working.”

Born in Bavaria, Germany, Hermann came to the UK in 1984. He has enjoyed an international career in leisure and hotel management, having worked for Guinness UDV in Ireland as Retail Development Manager and for InterContinental Hotels & Resorts as Food and Beverage Development Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Hermann moved to Sheffield in 2000 when he purchased the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria. He embarked upon a £4 million investment and improvement programme to restore the 145-year-old hotel to its former glory, helping it to regain its place as one of the city’s leading hotels.

Last year Hermann unveiled plans to give Sheffield its first 5 star hotel. The £38 million project aims to bring a 5-star 198-room Crowne Plaza hotel and a 161-room Express by Holiday Inn to the city.

He is an active member of the Sheffield leisure and business community and last year received the lifetime achievement honour at Hospitality Sheffield’s annual awards. He is also heavily involved in key organisations such as Sheffield City Centre Retail Group and the Cathedral Business Management Group.