DORSET Chamber is welcoming a former member back to strengthen its board.

Former Sunseeker and Lotus Cars chief executive Phil Popham has re-joined the board of Dorset Chamber in a non-executive director position.

Mr Popham previously spent two and half years on the chamber’s board from 2016 to 2018 during his time as chief executive of Poole-based luxury superyacht brand Sunseeker.

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “It a quite a coup to welcome Phil back to the board.

“He brings exceptional experience, expertise and knowledge to an already strong team of talented and committed directors.

“These are exciting times as the chamber continues to innovate, grow and adapt to support businesses as they drive economic growth and create jobs and wealth for the local community.

“I’m sure Phil will play a major role as we move forward and it is absolutely brilliant to see him back.”

Mr Popham was chief executive of Sunseeker from 2014 to 2018 and then Lotus Cars from 2018 to 2021 where he was responsible for driving major business transformations within both businesses.

Prior to this he spent 14 years at Jaguar Land Rover where he was responsible for global marketing sales and service when the company oversaw a period of unprecedented growth.

After leaving Lotus, he launched Phil Popham Consultancy in May of this year and recently renewed acquaintances with the chamber by leading a Business Transformation Programme.

Mr Popham said: “It is a great privilege to sit on the chamber’s board and support Dorset’s dynamic and diverse business community.

“Clearly there has been a great deal of change in the world since I last served as a non-executive director and I’m looking forward to working with Ian and the board to make Dorset an even better place in which to do business.”