Hannah Essex – Co Executive Director, British Chamber of Commerce

Hannah Essex is Co-Executive Director at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) a role she shares with Claire Walker.

BCC sits at the heart of a business network that spans the length and breadth of the UK, with links to markets across the world.

Claire and Hannah lead the British Chambers campaigns, communications, public affairs, policy and senior representative work on behalf of the Chamber Network.

They joined the British Chambers of Commerce in September 2019 from social enterprise Teach First, where they co-led the Communications Department.

Claire covered Hannah’s maternity leave and they formed their partnership when Hannah returned in 2015.

As one of the only Executive level job- share partnerships in the country, they are considered trailblazers in the concept of co-leadership.

Together, they have a combined 35 years’ experience leading in a range of organisations, driving transformation and impact. Claire has held a number of trustee positions and led a range of community projects. Hannah is Vice-Chair and Founding Trustee of The Girls’ Network.