The secretary general of the International Chamber of Commerce UK (ICC UK), Chris Southworth, is stepping down after 11 years at the helm of the organisation.

Southworth, who first joined ICC UK in April 2015, will depart the organisation in mid-2026, the business group said.

The board has begun the formal process to appoint his successor.

“For eleven years, Chris has played a central role in advancing ICC United Kingdom’s mission and strengthening our international presence,” said ICC UK chair, Lord Karan Bilimoria.

“He has led with integrity, energy and purpose. On behalf of the board, I express our deep appreciation and our confidence in the future of the organisation.”

During his tenure, Southworth “demonstrated deep commitment to ICC’s mission, championing open and rules-based trade, responsible business practice and international cooperation during a period of significant economic and geopolitical change”, the trade group said.

In recent years, Southworth has been a vocal advocate for digitising trade and trade finance, and was heavily involved in efforts to modernise trade frameworks in the UK and internationally, including the Electronic Trade Documents Act.

He has led ICC UK’s flagship digital trade roadmap and has also lobbied for smooth post-Brexit border processes.

Southworth was also the co-founder of the International Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation, a not-for-profit ICC UK spin-out focused on trade digitalisation.

He has also supported engagement with the World Trade Organization and “strengthened ICC UK’s influence within the global ICC network and “ensured business perspectives are reflected in the development of international standards and policy frameworks”, an ICC UK statement added.

Alongside his work with the association, Southworth has also been a co-chair for Commonwealth working groups for six years, as well as a member of academic advisory boards. He has also previously worked for the British Chambers of Commerce and UK Trade & Invest.

“The Board expresses its deep appreciation for Chris’s vision, professionalism and contribution to both ICC UK and the wider ICC community.”

The trade group said it was entering the transition period “with a strong and experienced team, a clear strategic direction and a solid platform for continued delivery” and would announce further updates “in due course”.