Dan is the corporate affairs manager at major Rugby employer Cemex UK and has been a regular at the forums over the past few years, making him a natural successor to Karen.
The forum meets three times a year to discuss any issues local firms are facing and to also hear updates from key decision makers and figures in the borough, including MP John Slinger, representatives from local authorities and business leaders.
Dan said: “I know I have very big shoes to fill replacing Karen in this role, who chaired this forum over many years.
“I have seen first-hand the work the Chamber does for Rugby and the wider region and there are exciting times ahead with the launch of our manifesto later this spring.
“We have very good links with our local MP John Slinger and the local authorities and that two-way dialogue is absolutely vital because understanding the issues that might be holding back growth and how we overcome those together can help to strengthen our local economy.”
He added: “I’ve been with Cemex for around five years. It’s a brilliant company and we are genuinely committed to Rugby and Warwickshire, and playing our part in the growth of the area.
“I also know how highly regarded this area is globally because even in our head office in Mexico there is an ongoing reference to Rugby excellence.”
Corin Crane, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “As a regional Chamber, we ensure that the voice of business is heard at a local and national level. We do that through our Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) that takes the pulse of our economy every three months but we are constantly speaking to companies on the ground.
“Our Local Business Forums are vital to that and we are thrilled that Dan has come on board as chair in Rugby. He has a great understanding of how businesses can interact with Government, at all levels, to ensure the local area benefits.
“And, having a name such as Cemex playing its part at a local level shows the vital role the Chamber has in bringing together firms of all sizes and sectors to overcome the issues that matter.”
Rugby MP John Slinger said: “Many congratulations to Dan who I know will do a great job. Hearing from businesses in the town and borough is crucial for me and the Chamber provides a really good platform for that.”
