Meet Our New CEO: Chris Cowcher

We’re excited to announce that Chris Cowcher will be joining WRCC as our new CEO this December!

Chris is stepping into the role after Kim Slater, who led us for 12 amazing years, moved on in October.

Chris comes to us from Plunkett UK, a national charity that supports community-owned businesses across the UK. Here in Warwickshire, Plunkett has helped communities in places like Ilmington, Long Marston, Barford, Claverdon, Loxley, Avon Dassett, and Norton Lindsey take control of their local shops, post offices, and pubs.

Bringing a wealth of experience in rural community development and policy, including having previously worked for the rural community council in Gloucestershire, as well as the national umbrella body Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) Chris is excited about getting started.

“Having grown up in rural Warwickshire, I know firsthand the challenges our communities face—whether it’s the decline of local services, lack of affordable housing, or limited job and education opportunities. Our communities need investment and support, now more than ever.

I’m thrilled to be joining the fantastic team at WRCC and to making a real difference across the county I am proud to call home. We’re lucky to have so many dedicated partners, and I’m looking forward to building on these relationships to expand our reach and impact.”

Chris officially starts on Monday, 16 December 2024. Feel free to reach out to him at chrisc@wrccrural.org.uk after that date.

You can also connect with Chris on LinkedIn or X (@ChrisCowcher).