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Paul Faulkner leaves Chamber to join Richardson family business

Paul Faulkner is leaving his position as chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), to take up a new role as chief of staff and operations within the group of businesses owned by the Richardson family.

Paul, who is a former chief executive of Aston Villa FC and Nottingham Forest, will lead on all operational matters for the Richardson organisation across the Midlands, as it seeks out new investment opportunities in dynamic and ambitious businesses.


Paul’s appointment emphasises the ongoing commitment of the Richardson family to the West Midlands, as it continues to develop its business portfolio across the world.


The Richardson family business was founded by Roy Richardson and his late brother Don more than 70 years ago in Oldbury. The family now operate international real estate and private equity businesses. These have been successfully run for over 20 years by brothers Martyn, Lee and Carl Richardson.


Carl Richardson said:

“We are always looking to work with excellent people to further expand our family interests, Paul more than fits that bill. We are very pleased to welcome him on board as part of the senior team.”

Paul Faulkner said:

“I’m delighted and humbled to have the opportunity to take up this new position with the Richardson family business.

“While the role will be multi-faceted, I’m especially excited to use my knowledge, understanding and contacts within the regional business community to help identify locally based businesses that the Richardson’s family business may be able to partner with in order to help them develop, grow and ultimately fulfil their full potential.


“I’ve long championed and believed that the West Midland’s business community contains some of the most entrepreneurial and innovative businesses in the world and this will be an exciting opportunity to explore that further.

“The reputation of the Richardson family in the business community is second to none. The evolution of their business interests from a West Midlands base established over 70 years ago into a leader in real estate and growth capital with a portfolio that is embedded all over the world is truly inspirational. I am looking forward to playing my part in an exciting new chapter for the business.


Paul added: “Whilst I’m sad to be leaving the brilliant team at the Chamber I am hugely proud to have led its development since June, 2015, working alongside a host of fantastic individuals.


“The Chamber has led the way in supporting our members through some challenging times recently, not the least the struggles that all businesses are experiencing in the Covid-19 crisis.


“We have influenced government and council policies to the benefit of all businesses and supported them as we went through the protracted process of leaving the European Union. However, it feels that the time is now right for me to move on and I am excited about this next chapter in my professional career.”


 

Paul Faulkner: A history graduate from Cambridge University, Paul began his career at MBNA Bank, completing the Bank’s Graduate Management Scheme and working in a variety of roles across the organisation in both the UK and the US.


Following a period working as a consultant for Michael Page, he returned to the US in 2005 working for Brooklyn NY Holdings, a private family office of the Lerner family. In 2006 he was an integral part of Randy Lerner’s purchase of Aston Villa, and relocated to Birmingham to work at the club, initially as COO and then as CEO from 2010 to 2014.


Paul is a Trustee of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, Cure Leukaemia and the City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball club. He is also Chairman of Sport Birmingham, and vice-chair of performance Birmingham Limited (PBL) which operates the Town Hall and Symphony Hall in the city, and a Board member of Culture Central. He lives in Sutton Coldfield and is married with two young sons.

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