Ruth Gilbert

Opening Speaker: Ruth Gilbert – Essex Chambers of Commerce

Ruth Gilbert is Chief Executive of Essex Chambers of Commerce, bringing more than 30 years’ experience leading organisations, advising government and working with businesses to deliver economic growth, workforce development and organisational transformation.

Her career spans the private, public and voluntary sectors. A former Chief Executive, management consultant and legally trained strategic adviser, Ruth has worked for Unilever and advised major UK and international organisations including Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Hudson Global, Shell UK, IBM and the Ministry of Defence. She has supported organisations through investment, mergers and acquisitions, growth, turnaround and change, and has advised ministers and Parliament on workforce and skills policy.

Between 2022 and 2025, Ruth held senior interim leadership roles at Essex County Council, initially leading on skills and employability and subsequently serving as Interim Director of Sustainable Growth. She established the Essex Growth Agency, created an integrated Business and Skills Growth Service, propagated the Greater Essex Business Board and the first funded delivery plan for the employer-led Local Skills Improvement Plan with Essex Chambers of Commerce.

Earlier in her career, Ruth served as Chief Executive and Principal in further and higher education and founded and led the national Career Colleges Trust with Lord Baker and Luke Johnson, working with industry leaders from Google, Amazon, as well as the construction, care and hospitality industries. She continues to hold non-executive, governance and advisory roles across education, skills and organisational development.

As Chief Executive of Essex Chambers, Ruth is committed to strengthening the voice of business and building practical partnerships that make Greater Essex one of the UK’s best places to invest, innovate, recruit and grow. She brings extensive commercial, policy and governance experience, together with a strong focus on converting business priorities into practical action

Whilst we endeavour to ensure the attendance of our advertised speakers, exhibitors, vendors and displays, we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes.

All timings are approximate and subject to change. We advise arriving as early as possible to avoid queues and missing any speakers or displays.