Former Birmingham Chamber of Commerce president Bridget Blow has been appointed as chair of City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra – the first female in the role in its 91 year history.

Ms Blow, previously interim chairman of the Greater Birmingham Local Enterprise Partnership, was also the first women to hold the top role at the chamber.

She said: “As chair, my vision is to see the CBSO thrive, continue to extend our reach to other parts of the world so that others can experience the world-class performances we know and love here in the UK, and enhance not only our reputation but the reputation of Birmingham as a world leader in culture.”

Ms Blow is also currently a trustee of the Birmingham Hippodrome, deputy chair of the Coventry Building Society and non-executive chairman of Harvard International, and was previously a non-executive Director of the Bank of England.

Charles Barwell, who has been a trustee since 2005, will take up the role of deputy chair.