Ed Rowberry, the founding chief executive of impact investor BBRC (Bristol & Bath Regional Capital) has been appointed as president of Bristol Chamber & Initiative.
Ed, pictured, has been the driving force behind the success of BBRC since he launched it nearly a decade ago with a mission is to improve the wellbeing of the West of England’s communities and the environment. 
It has mobilised more than £70m into a wide portfolio of net zero investment opportunities around the region over that period while its ambitious growth trajectory aims to attract and deploy £1bn in investment over the next decade.
Ed trained as a chartered accountant in London with KPMG before working in the commercial property development, financial services and affordable housing sectors.
He is also a Trustee of the Bristol Zoological Society Pension Fund and the SS Great Britain Trust and is co-opted to the board of Black South West Network.
Ed will hold his first address at the Bristol Initiative’s West of England metro mayor hustings next month.
The Initiative acts as the leadership tier of membership for Business West, the region’s largest business group, which also runs Bristol Chamber of Commerce.
It brings together more than140 business leaders to positively influence the way the region is shaped, managed and developed – with a particular focus on sustainable and inclusive growth, improving transport and mobility, improving education and skills and tackling deprivation.
Ed said he was “incredibly honoured” to be selected as the new president of Bristol Chamber & Initiative.
“In an increasingly polarised world, business can be a real force for good,” he added. 
“With its diverse network of leading businesses and organisations from across Bristol and the wider region, the Initiative brings a powerful voice to key policy issues and collective strength to lead inclusive, responsible and sustainable economic growth that ensures both business and communities prosper.”
“As president, I look forward to playing my part in championing our city region and ensuring our businesses have what they need to thrive and trade.”
Bristol Initiative director Victoria Matthews, pictured, said: “It’s clear that Ed’s values and vision align closely with ours.
“We will benefit enormously from his impressive track record of securing investment and driving impact.
“He is well known and respected within our business community, and I look forward to working with him to help our businesses and region prosper.
“Our members are operating in particularly challenging times. We know that many want to take on new staff, invest and improve our region. Yet, they face numerous hurdles, including the broader economic climate and local issues such as poor transport connectivity and a lack of affordable housing for staff. Our members need a strong collective voice, and I know that Ed will ensure that voice is heard.”
Ed replaces Dr Justin Morris, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society – the charity that runs Bristol Zoo Project – as president following 15 months in the role.
