As the first female Chief Executive in the Chamber’s modern history, Helen brings an extensive track record of business leadership, transformation and organisational development. Her career includes a notable 17 years at the Island-founded Liz Earle Beauty Co. where she progressed to the role of Head of Isle of Wight Operations.

With deep connections to the local community and a wealth of experience working with businesses on the Island and beyond, Helen is uniquely positioned to lead the Chamber’s ambitious new strategy.

Speaking on her appointment, Helen Curel said:

“I am really delighted to be joining the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce as CEO. The Island has an incredibly diverse and entrepreneurial business community and I am excited about the opportunity to work with our members, the Chamber team and partners across the Island. Together we will build on the organisation’s strengths and ensure it continues to provide a strong voice and guidance for Island businesses.

“A key priority for me will be getting out to meet members, listening to what is important to them and understanding where the Chamber can make the greatest difference. There are undoubtedly challenges facing businesses, but there are also huge opportunities for the Island, and I am very much looking forward to getting started.”

Expressing the Board’s support, Alison Colley, President of the Chamber, stated:

“We are pleased to appoint Helen to the position of Chief Executive. She brings a wealth of commercial expertise and a genuine connection to the Island that will be vital in delivering our new objectives. As an independent and standalone organisation, our priority remains championing Island businesses of all sizes. Helen’s leadership will ensure our members continue to receive the highest level of support and representation. We would also like to thank Rob Johnson for the excellent foundation he has built during his tenure.”

This transition marks the beginning of a significant new chapter for the Chamber as the organisation looks to strengthen its influence and expand strategic partnerships. The formal handover from the outgoing CEO, Rob Johnson, will take place after the IW Chamber Awards in September.

The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce has announced that CEO Rob Johnson will be stepping down from his role later this year, officially handing over the leadership to a new Chief Executive at the annual IW Chamber Awards in September.

The Chamber is entering a significant and exciting new chapter. As the business landscape continues to evolve, so too has the Chamber’s ambition – strengthening its influence, expanding its strategic partnerships and developing a clear vision for the future. Delivering that strategy now requires dedicated full-time leadership to build on the momentum already achieved.

To deliver on this new strategy and guide the Chamber moving forward, the CEO role now requires a greater level of full-time input. Due to growing demands from his other national and local commitments, Rob is unable to offer this expanded capacity.

Rob Johnson has said:

“It has been a privilege to lead the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce during a period of such significant and exciting change.

“The Chamber is in a strong position with growing membership engagement and important strategic partnerships in place. Delivering our strategy moving forward now requires a full-time focus that I simply cannot provide alongside my other commitments.

“I look forward to celebrating the achievements of our business community and officially handing over the reins at the Chamber Awards, knowing the organisation is well placed for the future.”

The Chamber’s Board of Directors has already identified a successor and expects to announce the new Chief Executive shortly. The formal handover at the Chamber Awards on 11th September will provide an opportunity to celebrate both the achievements of the Island’s business community and the beginning of the Chamber’s next chapter.

The Chamber has reaffirmed that it will remain an independent organisation dedicated to representing Isle of Wight businesses, while continuing to work collaboratively with regional and national partners where this creates greater opportunities for members. 

With a clear strategy, growing influence and dedicated full-time leadership, the Chamber is well positioned to build on its recent progress and deliver even greater value to the Island’s business community.

The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of new members to its Board of Directors, marking a new era for the organisation’s leadership.

Elected by members, the announcement was voted in at the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting, held at The New Holmwood Hotel on Cowes seafront. Members gathered to reflect on a year of growth and collaboration within the Island’s business community, while looking ahead to new opportunities with refreshed leadership.

Members voted to elect three new directors to the Board: Domanic Wray, Managing Director of Vectis Ventures; Emma Bradley, Director at Spence Willard; and Matt Jeffery, Managing Director of the Brightbulb.

The Chamber’s leadership team now comprises a mix of long-standing and newly appointed members, bringing together a diverse range of expertise from across the Island’s business sectors.

The full list of directors is:

• Rob Johnson – CEO
• Alison Colley – President
• Jonathan Thornton – Chairman
• Mark Lee – Board Director
• Sarah Chatwin – Board Director
• Karen Lucas – Board Director
• Fran Collins – Board Director
• Matt Greg – Board Director
• Tracy Osborn – Board Director
• Katy Taylor – Board Director
• Dominic Wray – Board Director
• Darren Toogood – Board Director
• Emma Bradley – Board Director
• Matt Jeffery – Board Director

Speaking after the AGM, President Alison Colley said the new appointments reflected the Chamber’s commitment to representing the full breadth of the Island’s business community. “Our Board brings together experience, innovation and a shared passion for supporting local enterprise,” she said. “We look forward to building on recent successes and continuing to strengthen the Island’s economic future.”

Past President, John Allen, stepped down from the Board and receiving warm thanks for his many years of dedicated service and commitment to the Chamber. Sandra Knowles has also resigned.