NWBLT names first female life president

The North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT) has announced Joëlle Warren MBE as its first-ever female life president. This milestone reflects Joëlle’s longstanding commitment to diversity and responsible business leadership.

Joëlle, the founder of Warren Partners, has championed boardroom diversity for over 25 years. She has played pivotal roles in national and regional initiatives, including as chair of the National Childbirth Trust and Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire. 

Since joining NWBLT in 2017, she has driven diversity-focused programmes such as the Rising Star and Diversity Driver groups, aimed at fostering racial and ethnic inclusion in senior leadership across the North West.

Joëlle said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be named as the NWBLT’s first-ever female life president.

“Since joining the NWBLT in 2017, I have been passionate about ensuring that talent, irrespective of background can thrive and be represented within senior business leadership and is a responsibility that comes with leading a successful business. 

“My appointment strengthens this resolve, and I am looking forward to seeing our leadership in this agenda extending to other businesses across the North West.”

The NWBLT also announced two new board appointments. Firstly, Kirsty Rogers, chief sustainability officer at DWF, who brings expertise in ESG strategies and equalities law, with a focus on sustainability and diversity in the workplace.

She added: “I am honoured to be joining the NWBLT board and being able to offer my legal and sustainability expertise to the organisation, providing a lens on complex and ever-changing legislation. 

“The work of the NWBLT to make the North West the best place to live, to work, and to do good business is invaluable, and I look forward to supporting the team in the years to come.”

And secondly, Nicholas Dobbs, head of Grosvenor Rural Estates, who leads the organisation’s contribution to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the communities where it operates and is integral to its business presence in Chester and the wider region.

Nicholas added: “I am delighted to represent Grosvenor on the NWBLT’s board,

“The land management practices at our rural estates support the wellbeing of the areas in which they are situated but are also vital to supporting our region’s economy and in how we tackle climate change. 

“I am looking forward to bringing this experience and insight to the board.”

These appointments underline NWBLT's dedication to promoting responsible leadership and advancing diversity in the North West.

Simone Peppi, NWBLT’s chair, added: “Joëlle has worked tirelessly to improve inclusion in North West businesses since she began her journey with the NWBLT. 

“This natural progression is great news for us as an organisation and the North West as we seek to improve representation across the region.

“I am delighted to also welcome Kirsty and Nicholas to our board. 

“The expertise that they will bring with them, in the legal sector and the land management sector respectively, will be vital as we seek to continue supporting the North West’s economic growth. 

“We are excited for their positive impact on our mission.”

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