Paul Faulkner is one of Birmingham’s most accomplished and versatile leaders, with a track record of success spanning business, sport, and charitable sectors. As Chief Executive of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, he oversaw a powerful network dedicated to supporting businesses of all sizes—helping steer the region’s economic growth, advocating for its interests on the national stage, and driving initiatives that positioned Birmingham as a dynamic, future-focused city.
Before leading the Chambers, Paul made his mark in the world of professional sport. He served as Chief Executive of Aston Villa Football Club and Nottingham Forest Football Club—two historic institutions where he navigated the complex intersection of business, community engagement, and high-profile sporting performance. His leadership extended beyond the pitch, ensuring these organisations remained vital parts of their cities’ cultural fabric.
But Paul’s impact has always reached far beyond commerce and sport. As Chairman of Sport Birmingham, he has championed inclusive access to physical activity, creating pathways for young people and underrepresented groups to find empowerment through sport. His commitment to health and wellbeing is also reflected in his role as an Associate Non-Executive Director of Birmingham Children’s Hospital—a position focused on improving the quality of care for children and families across the region.
A dedicated advocate for charitable causes, Paul serves as a Trustee of Cure Leukaemia, Town Hall Symphony Hall, the Lord Mayor’s Charity, and Kids Village Charity. Through these roles, he has supported health innovation, cultural access, and vital community services—building networks of support where they are needed most.
In 2024, he co-founded Element45, a business consultancy helping organisations navigate leadership and growth with clarity and confidence—adding another dimension to his commitment to strategic impact across sectors.
Paul’s leadership has been defined by collaboration, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to Birmingham’s growth and resilience. From business mentorship to charity governance, from sports leadership to civic advocacy, he has brought clarity and cohesion to every role he has held.
At the heart of his work is a belief that progress must be accessible and inclusive. Whether driving regional economic growth through the Chambers of Commerce, leading Premier League football clubs, or guiding charities towards greater impact, Paul Faulkner has demonstrated that leadership is most powerful when it serves others.
Today, his influence continues to shape the future of Birmingham—a city he has dedicated his career to championing, from its boardrooms to its sports stadiums, and from its grassroots initiatives to its most ambitious visions of change.
