An innovative community centre, Nechells Baths, has a new chief executive, John James.
The appointment was made by the centre's owners, The Birmingham Foundation which also intends to play a wider role in helping Birmingham City Council, AWM and the government to meet inner city development objectives.
John James has spent the greater part of his business life advising organisations both in the public and private sectors, specialising in strategic business growth, acquisitions and joint ventures.
Nechells Baths has recently been recommended for a Grant Lottery regeneration award in recognition of its community achievements.
The refurbished landmark building provides creche and nursery facilities, training facilities, a training kitchen, cafe, internet cafe, heritage training workshops, as well as office accommodation for several local not-for-profit community organisations.
In the last two years, flagship tenants, Pertemps People Development Group, has successfully put more than 350 local, long term unemployed back into work, as well as enabling over 200 local people to gain educational qualifications to enable them to get work or study further.
John said: "I have been associated with the Birmingham Foundation and its work both directly and indirectly since its launch more than a decade ago.
"I am proud to be now heading up what is considered to be the charity's most successful community project to date and play my part in expanding the role and the impact of this centre for the local community.
"I am joining a team that has already made significant progress and will work with them to build on this success.
"We will focus on increasing community involvement with our day-to-day activities as well as concentrate on making a longer term impact on the area by continuing to reduce crime and alleviate drug problems in the area.
"On a more strategic level, we also want to work more closely with the city to build in its 20-year vision of tackling regeneration in these areas."
John added: "Plans are already being prepared to ensure that the Birmingham business community becomes fully aware of what is happening at Nechells and how they can become involved in short term funding and corporate social responsibility opportunities.
"There is not a lot of public funding available and like all charity driven projects we need cash, especially if we want to extend our capacity."
