Sheffield Chamber chief in shock resignation

Stella Steele quit as director of operations, after stating it did not meet her ‘career aspirations’.

The decision leaves the two top jobs at the Chamber vacant after Richard Wright retired as director of policy and representation in January.

In a post on LinkedIn Ms Steele said: ‘When someone joins and then leaves an organisation in a short period of time it can provoke questions and prompt rumours.

‘In this instance my decision stems from the very positive and healthy decision to think about whether this role truly did meet my career aspirations and I hope to return to the third sector. I am also inspired by business leaders who think that difficult decisions are sometimes the best decisions to make’.

Ms Steele joined the Chamber in November from Yorkshire Mediation Services, a charity in Horbury, West Yorkshire, where she was chief executive and had worked for three years.

It is understood the Chamber will now discuss whether to have two top jobs, or go back to having one chief executive.

Matt Jackson, president of the Chamber said: “The Board has accepted Stella Steele’s resignation and thanked her for the time she has spent at the Chamber.

“During her time with us Stella made a powerful contribution to the discussions we are having about shaping the Chamber of the Future. We wish her well.

“This is an important time for the Chamber of Commerce, for the city and the wider UK economy. Everyone in the Chamber has a role to play in shaping the future of the organisation, including looking at the senior leadership that will drive the Chamber forward as shaped by our strategic discussions.

“Stella has helped us understand the needs of our developing organisation, how to best develop and support our dedicated team and the requirements for a strong senior leadership team to maintain our values and drive our vision forward.”

Tom Sutton, the Chamber’s head of corporate partnerships and membership, will take responsibility of day-to-day operations on an interim basis.