Knowsley Chamber unveils new chief executive following retirement of Lesley Martin-Wright after 14 years in the role. Tony McDonough reports

Rachel Peak is the new chief executive of Knowsley Chamber following the retirement of Lesley Martin-Wright.

And Rachel will follow Lesley’s lead by also taking up the post of head of business growth at Knowsley Council. Lesley announced her retirement in May after 14 years at the helm and stepped down at the end of June.

Rachel has worked at Knowsley Council for more than five years in senior growth, investment and regeneration roles. A graduate of the University of Central Lancashire she also worked in regeneration at Halton Council for 14 years as well as in the private sector.

Her latest appointment continues the operational model of a joint post to Knowsley Chamber and Knowsley Council to provide business support for members and local businesses based on a strong private and public sector partnership.

Rachel has managed a number of regeneration projects across Knowsley, as well as managing budgets and quality and assurance of projects.

She has recently led directly on the arrangements for the Kirkby Town Board following the £19.5m allocation from the Government’s Long-Term Plan for Towns Fund, working directly with chair Max Steinberg.

“I am incredibly pleased to have commenced in post and would like to thank Lesley Martin-Wright and Alan Seeley (chamber chair) for their support in the recent transition process.

“I look forward to working with the chamber board, chamber members, partners, and colleagues to maintain business continuity and momentum and look forward to building on the achievements and success of the chamber over the past few years.”

She follows in the footsteps of a formable operator. Lesley Martin-Wright is one of the best best-known figures in the Liverpool city region business community.

In May Lesley said her departure had been long-planned. She retires from the chamber having significantly grown membership numbers and built up “robust” cash reserves.

She also issued a “watch this space” message adding she is hoping to continue to be involved in Knowsley in a new capacity.

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Welcoming Rachel into the role, Alan Seeley said “ It is a pleasure to welcome Rachel to the chamber team and I am delighted to have had the opportunity to work closely with her over the last few weeks.

“Rachel brings a host of experience and knowledge about the borough to this unique role that I am sure we will use to further enhance the partnership we have built since 2015.  The board at Knowsley Chamber and myself will ensure Rachel has our full support.”