VICTORIA – The Board of Directors of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has selected Bruce Williams to become the organization’s next CEO, effective June 15.
Bruce Williams is new CEO of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce
John Wilson, chair of The Chamber’s Board of Directors, says Williams was chosen after a rigorous process that examined an extensive list of candidates from across Canada.
“Bruce has proven himself as a highly capable leader in Greater Victoria. We’re delighted he’s agreed to take the helm at The Chamber as we work to restart our economy after a very challenging time,” Wilson says. “Bruce is well-known and trusted as someone who cares deeply about our community. He’s also had tremendous success connecting with people in business and government, which will be vital in his new role at The Chamber.”
Williams had been serving as interim CEO of the South Island Prosperity Partnership, which evolved from an economic development committee that originated with The Chamber. He is co-owner of the Spark Strategic Group and has served as a business executive with Bell Media and as a broadcast producer, on-air host and television anchor with CTV.
“I want to recognize the exemplary and inspired leadership created by Catherine Holt over the past four years,” Williams said. “Catherine crafted an efficient, effective and extremely influential organization. She along with current and past Chamber board members and staff should be proud of the organization they have formed.
“Recognizing the current state of our economy due to the COVID-19 crisis, I feel The Chamber can remain strong and resilient as we work with and support small, medium and large businesses. Greater Victoria has always been a strong, healthy, sustainable and inclusive community and I’m proud to be assuming this role to engage us all with our new economy.”
Williams will take over from current Chamber CEO Catherine Holt, who announced she was moving on from the role in January.
“Of course, at that time we had no inkling we would soon be facing unprecedented economic turmoil caused by a global pandemic,” Holt says. “Fortunately for The Chamber, we have been able to build a small but mighty team that has proven it can rise to the occasion. With Bruce’s exceptional skills as a communicator, I can’t think of a better organization to help Greater Victoria get through this challenge. We have the foundation for one of the most robust economies in Canada, and I look forward to the day when all businesses can thrive once again.”
