Members of the Brighton & Hove Business Growth Board are pleased to announce the appointment of new Chair Professor David Greenfield.
The Chair provides strategic leadership to the Board, helping to embed a strong and diverse business voice in the city’s economic planning and supporting delivery of the Brighton and Hove Economic Plan and related strategies.
The role also acts as a key ambassador for Brighton & Hove’s business community, fostering collaboration and championing inclusive, sustainable economic growth. This will be particularly important as the new Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority takes shape, creating a stronger regional framework for investment, skills, transport, housing, regeneration and economic development.
To ensure the voice of city’s business community is well represented at a regional level, the Chair of the Brighton & Hove Growth Board will sit on a newly created Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority Business Board, that will provide strategic advice to support the work of the new Strategic Authority.
The Board will have a key role in ensuring Brighton & Hove’s businesses help shape that agenda, so the city’s distinctive strengths and opportunities are clearly represented within wider Sussex priorities.
Professor Greenfield brings extensive senior leadership, governance and partnership experience. He founded SOENECS in 2014, co-founded TTB Circular IT in 2020, and serves as Managing Director of both organisations.
His experience includes securing and leading multi-million-pound programmes, building partnerships between businesses, universities, local authorities and government, and representing organisations at regional, national and international levels.
Born and brought up in Brighton & Hove, Professor Greenfield has a lifelong connection to the city. He was educated locally and completed his undergraduate degree and PhD at the University of Brighton, where is now a Visiting Professor of Circular Economy.
Gavin Stewart, Executive Director of the Board, said: “On behalf of the Board, I’m delighted to welcome Professor David Greenfield as our new Chair.
"David brings exactly the blend of entrepreneurial experience, strategic leadership and deep local commitment that the Board needs as we continue to strengthen Brighton & Hove’s business voice and support inclusive, sustainable economic growth.
"His record of building partnerships across business, academia, local government and national networks will be invaluable as we move into the next phase of delivering for the city’s economy.”
Professor David Greenfield said: “Brighton & Hove has shaped my life and career, and I am honoured to take on this role.
"The city has exceptional strengths across creative industries, digital technologies, professional services, tourism, education, sustainability and innovation. I look forward to working with businesses and partners across the city to support collaboration, resilient and sustainable investment and inclusive and regenerative growth.”
Councillor David McGregor, Cabinet Member for Economy, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “At a time of significant change across Sussex, it’s vital that Brighton & Hove has a strong voice championing the city’s interests in discussions about devolution, investment and growth.
“The Growth Board plays an important role in bringing together business leaders and partners from across the public, private, voluntary and academic sectors. Professor David Greenfield is an excellent choice to lead, bringing local knowledge, academic expertise and business experience to his role as chair.
“I look forward to working with him and the board to create opportunities for residents and local businesses and drive sustainable economic growth.”