The chance to take up an international role for his firm was too great an offer to refuse according to the former chairman of Birmingham Forward who has resigned just two months into the post.
Graham Nicoll took over as chairman of the professional body at its 20th anniversary dinner on April 27 but after accepting a new role at Barclays Wealth he has decided that he will be unable to commit sufficient time to the position.
Mr Nicoll was regional centre head for Barclays Wealth in Birmingham and he has now been appointed as head of business development for the firm, a position that will see him based predominantly in London with significant global responsibilities.
He will now swap places with Jackie Hendley – a tax partner at accountants KPMG – who was Mr Nicoll’s deputy at Birmingham Forward.
Mr Nicoll said the opportunity arose on the eve of his taking over as chairman.
“I got a phone call inviting me to London for a chat about the role the day before I was stepping up to take over as chair at the anniversary lunch,” he said. “It may not have been the ideal time but this was about a long term decision as opposed to a 12 month role.”
He added: “Birmingham has been my home professionally but the offer of a new international role was very exciting and an opportunity I wanted to take.”
Mr Nicoll will continue as deputy chair of Forward and will also continue an “ambassadorial” role. He added: “The organisation needs somebody there five days a week and so it was prudent to accelerate Jackie into the role with me in a support role helping her to keep driving the organisation forward.”
