Bruce Williams is not renewing his contract as chief executive of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.
Williams’s contract expires in June and a search has started for a new CEO, the chamber said in a statement late Monday.
The chamber said Williams, a former broadcaster, will continue to work and live in the community he has served for more than two decades.
Williams joined the chamber of commerce in June 2020, a few months after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The circumstances tested everyone, including Williams, who found himself in charge of a 157-year-old institution facing an existential risk as traditional revenue streams evaporated.
“His calm approach and fundraising creativity nurtured new business models and diversified the Chamber’s income sources,” the statement said. “The organization flourished when it was needed most.”
Williams said: “It has been a transformative time as we experienced the pandemic and recovery and have made significant progress in [diversity, equity and inclusion], Indigenous relations and diverse revenue development.
“We have also engaged younger business people into Chamber culture, which has brought fresh energy and perspective to our organization.”
Chair Kris Wirk said the chamber and Greater Victoria’s business community have been fortunate to have Williams’ leadership over the past five years.
“His leadership during this critical time was instrumental in shaping policies and helping our members adapt,” Wirk said. “Bruce also worked tirelessly to ensure that our Chamber became more inclusive, expanding opportunities for new and diverse businesses to become members.”
Williams will focus on new projects and opportunities. He and his wife, Amanda, own Spark Strategic Group.
A number of events will be planned in 2025 to allow chamber of commerce members and the community to connect with Williams before he leaves his role.
