Thackray Williams’ Katrina Walker voted in as the next Chair of the Sevenoaks and District Chamber of Commerce

In line with Board protocol and in a confidential poll, Katrina was voted in as Chair and will replace Nick Brooker when he steps down at the end of March. Katrina is a very pro-active member of the Chamber of Commerce, where she joined the Board as a Director in March 2019. Her commitment to the Chamber has been outstanding and her enthusiasm and engagement with the wider community is both recognised and acknowledged; this will no doubt continue to be reflected as she steps into her new role as Chair to the Board.

Katrina’s business network is vast, and her client care and business development skills already provide an excellent support to the Board.

Katrina said “I was absolutely thrilled when I was invited to join Board that was such a privilege, and now being appointed as the next Chair, is an incredible honour. We have a fabulous and committed Board of Directors in place and I’m excited to be able to continue to work with them as we look to ensure the smooth transition of a new incoming CEO, and as we plan to celebrate the Chambers’ 110th Anniversary this summer!”

Katrina’s’ appointment was welcomed by current Chair Nick Brooker from Beer Mergers, who added, “this recognition demonstrates the respect Katrina has amongst her fellow Board colleagues. I am sure that she will also provide invaluable support to our Chamber team going forward”. Alongside Nick and Katrina on the Board are: Julie Phillips CEO; Gareth Walters from private medical firm WPA; Andrew Raby, Senior Partner at Thackray Williams; Sharon Field, Head of Corporate and Social Responsibility at FM Conway; Treasurer, Paul Baker, Director at Wealden Properties and Sandhya Iyer, MD of HR Dept.

Julie Phillips CEO said, “Having a strong board of directors will help us to steer the Chamber in a positive manner and develop our services further to support our members through the current unpredictable business climate.”

Katrina joined Thackray Williams in December 2020 and is already embracing the exciting challenges of her new role. Katrina is based out of the firm’s office in central Sevenoaks, although like many, currently, she is working remotely.

Outside of the office Katrina is a Reiki Master Teacher and as an advocate of mental health and wellbeing is also a trained Psychotherapist, Mental Health First Aider and Dementia Friends Champion.

With the continuation of lockdown, Katrina’s been missing her role as a Client Experience Volunteer with the Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival, and her evenings out enjoying both the local music scene and her Argentine Tango classes.

The Chamber wish Katrina well in her new position but will be sad to lose Nick Brooker, as he steps down ascurrent chair. Nick’s enthusiasm and professionalism has been invaluable to the success of the Chamber to date, and his work in maintaining compliance standards and creating a viable and sustainable financial structure will help protect the Chamber in these uncertain times. We wish Nick well as he focuses more on his new role as Regional Director with local corporate advisory firm Beer Mergers.