British Chambers of Commerce appoints Shevaun Haviland as new Director General

5th March 2021

The Board of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today announced the appointment of Shevaun Haviland as the new Director General of the organisation.

Shevaun joins the BCC from the Cabinet Office where she has worked for the last five years running the Business Partnerships team and leading the Inclusive Economy Partnership which aims to build a stronger economy and fairer society through partnerships between government, businesses and civil society.

Prior to joining central government, Shevaun had an extensive private sector career and was at the forefront of digital innovation through her work as the Founding Director of the Academy of Digital Business Leaders and as a Director at Independents United.

Shevaun will take over from Dr Adam Marshall who will stand down on Wednesday 31 March after five years at the helm and 12 years at the BCC.

BCC Chair, Sarah Howard MBE, who led the recruitment process, said:

“I am delighted that through an extensive and rigorous recruitment process we have been able to appoint Shevaun Haviland to succeed Adam Marshall as Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce. Her entrepreneurial spirit, strong private sector background and experience in Government means that she has the insight and expertise to lead the BCC on behalf of business communities throughout the UK and around the world.

“I know that under her leadership, and with a strong team around her, the BCC will continue to play a pivotal role in these critical times for our businesses and our country. “Adam Marshall leaves the British Chambers of Commerce in a strong position after five years as Director General and I am enormously grateful for the contribution he has made.”

Incoming BCC Director General, Shevaun Haviland, said:

“I am absolutely thrilled to be taking on this vitally important role at this time of immense challenge for UK firms. The Chamber Network has been at the forefront of helping businesses navigate the pandemic and building our new trading relationships with the world. It will be a privilege to represent this network and to lead the BCC in the next phase of its development.

“Our businesses will be central to driving recovery and renewal in their communities across the UK. I look forward to championing the needs of our members – at home and around the world - driving change and seizing the opportunities to thrive and grow."

Outgoing BCC Director Dr Adam Marshall said:

“It has been an absolute privilege to lead the British Chambers of Commerce during the last five years. I look forward to handing over to Shevaun over the coming weeks, and know that she will lead the organisation from strength to strength. At this time of challenge and change, the vital work of Chambers of Commerce has never been more important, and I know that our business communities in the UK and around the world will work closely with Shevaun and the BCC team to restart, rebuild and renew.”