Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams has announced he will leave the position in the summer of 2025, choosing not to renew his current contract.
He said in a media release that he is open to taking on new opportunities and will continue to work for the community he has served for more than two decades.
The former broadcaster joined the Chamber in 2020 during a time of tremendous adversity and change, 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.
“It has been a transformative time as we experienced the pandemic and recovery and have made significant progress in DEI, Indigenous relations and diverse revenue development,” Williams said. “We have also engaged younger business people into Chamber culture, which has brought fresh energy and perspective to our organization.”
The Chamber and Greater Victoria’s business community have been fortunate to have had Bruce’s leadership over the past five years, current Chamber Board Chair Kris Wirk said.
“Under Bruce’s stewardship, The Chamber has navigated through unprecedented challenges, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership during this critical time was instrumental in shaping policies and helping our members adapt,” Wirk said, adding that future leaders now have a stage to build upon and continue expanding The Chamber’s impact.
“Bruce also worked tirelessly to ensure that our Chamber became more inclusive, expanding opportunities for new and diverse businesses to become members. His commitment to diversity and inclusion has enriched our network and created a stronger, more vibrant local economy.
“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and our members, we extend our deepest gratitude to Bruce for his dedication and outstanding service.”
Williams’s contract expires in June 2025, allowing him to focus on new projects and opportunities. He and his wife, Amanda, own Spark Strategic Group. The couple will continue to live in Greater Victoria.
In an email to Chamber members, Williams wrote: “Businesses are the backbone of our communities. They are the soul of our cities and towns. Working together to build good business and great community for all has been more than a mission for me, The Chamber’s team and our exceptional Board of Directors.
Through the toughest times, we work together to support one another and amplify our individual voices. We help businesses thrive and give back, improving our quality of life and keeping our community great. This opens up opportunities for everyone and creates a virtuous circle of benefits that will uplift us for generations to come.”
