Kelowna: Patrick Bobyn, President of the Kelowna Chamber, announced today that Ester Pike has been named CEO effective immediately. Pike has been Interim CEO since July 1. She was named by the Board’s CEO Search Committee to take over the 120-year-old organization following a two-month search.
The planned summer leadership transition followed the conclusion of former CEO George Greenwood’s tenure with the Chamber on June 30, when he assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Home Builders' Association of British Columbia.
Pike is no stranger to the Chamber. Prior to July 1, she had served as the Chamber's Fractional Chief Operating Officer, helping lead operations and organizational initiatives.
She previously served as the Chamber's Director of Operations from 2022 to 2023 and so brought deep organizational knowledge and continuity to the leadership transition.
Pike offers extensive experience in executive operations, strategic leadership, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on strengthening organizational effectiveness and community impact.
"Ester's experience, knowledge of the Chamber, and proven leadership made her exceptionally well suited not only to guide the organization during the summer transition," said Bobyn, “but also dictated a closer look by the search committee as a candidate for the permanent role as CEO. She has the confidence of the Board and our staff, and we know our members will be well served under her leadership as we carry out our strategic plan going forward.”
"I am pleased about the opportunity to build on the momentum the Chamber established under George’s direction," Pike said. "The Chamber renewed its focus as the voice of business in the Central Okanagan, engaging collegial chambers in advocacy efforts, strengthening member engagement, modernizing its operations, and reinforcing its relevance within our business community.”
“The work we've been doing on behalf of businesses across the Central Okanagan will continue without interruption. Our advocacy, programs, events, and member services remain as strong as ever, and our talented staff team remains focused on delivering value to our members," said Pike.
"We are excited to add Ester as the permanent leader of our Chamber, and we are confident in our future," said Bobyn. "Our Board has a clear plan, an outstanding staff team, dedicated and active members of the business and the not-for-profit community, and now, an experienced leader in place. We look forward to continuing to serve our members and our community.”
Ester Pike MSc. Occ. Psy.; GMBPsS
CEO, Kelowna Chamber