GM Chamber appoints Chief Executive Officer

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) has announced the appointment of Emma Holt (pictured) as the organisation’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective from July 2026.

Following the Chamber’s phoenix deal that resurrected the organisation after it fell into administration last year, is appointment marks a next step as GMCC continues to strengthen its position as the voice of business in Greater Manchester with a growing influence at a local, national and international level.

Wayne Jones OBE, Chair of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The development of the Chamber over the past nine months has been clear for our members, and the wider business community, to see. Emma brings a wealth of experience, strong leadership insight, and a genuine understanding of our region. I have every confidence in this appointment. Emma will lead the organisation from strength to strength as we build on the solid foundations now in place.”

Emma Holt said:

“I am delighted to take up the role of Chief Executive Officer of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. At its heart, the Chamber is here for business. In this ever-changing world, I look forward to leading the Chamber in championing our business community and supporting the success and growth of business and the economy throughout the Greater Manchester city region; bringing together commerce, community and culture.”

Emma brings almost 25 years’ prior experience in the legal profession, including more than a decade in senior management and leadership roles. As a former Managing Partner of a law firm, Emma has an impressive combination of high-level expertise with executive leadership, business management, and culture development.

Emma has spent the last seven years at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, as Programme Leader for the MBA, Global Online MBA and MSc Finance and Strategy, and leading modules in Business Law and a module innovatively embedding employability skills at undergraduate level.

In her role as President of the Chamber, Emma developed an even stronger, well-established understanding of Greater Manchester’s business landscape, alongside a deep connection to the Chamber’s membership. This experience, combined with her professional background, positions her well to lead the organisation into its next phase, when she begins in the post on 16th July 2026.