Ex-Mitie boss Baroness McGregor-Smith becomes BCC president

Business leader Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith will take on the role of president of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Ruby McGregor-Smith will take up the new position immediately. Picture: OneRedEye

The Conservative peer, who was chief executive of Mitie Group for almost a decade, will succeed Francis Martin in the unremunerated role with immediate effect.

McGregor-Smith was elected by representatives of the accredited Chamber Network ahead of the BCC’s annual conference in London yesterday.

She was chair of the Women’s Business Council from 2012 to 2016 and authored an independent review on race in the workplace for the UK government in 2017. She was the first Asian female chief executive of a FTSE 250 company and is a passionate advocate for diversity as a key driver of business performance.

As BCC president she will work alongside chair Sarah Howard and director general Adam Marshall to represent BCC business communities.

Howard said: “Ruby’s understanding of modern business coupled with her energy, dynamism and commitment to opportunity for all make her an outstanding choice to represent our diverse chamber business communities.”

McGregor-Smith added: “As UK business navigates a time of substantial change, the work done by Chambers of Commerce to help firms of all sizes seize opportunities and overcome challenges is more vital than ever.

“I’m proud to have the opportunity to speak up for business and trade at this important time – and will be a tireless advocate for the work of the chamber network.”