By james art The appointment – made by Mexico’s ambassador to the UK, Her Excellency Josefa Gonzalez-Blanco Ortiz-Mena, and approved by the Mexican government – is the first of its kind for Birmingham and the West Midlands.
It cements the growing partnership between the region and Mexico that was forged during Deb’s tenure as GBCC President between 2021 and 2023.
Deb – founder of Birmingham-based Forensic Pathways, threat intelligence experts and scaling director at GBCC’s Innovate UK Edge team – will serve as a conduit between the West Midlands and Mexico in a bid to create economic, academic and cultural opportunities.
Her appointment as Honorary Consul was confirmed at an event at the Birmingham offices of accountancy firm Forvis Mazars.
Additionally, as President of the UK Women In Diplomacy Network, the Ambassador presented Deb with a certificate of recognition in honor of her “unwavering commitment to promoting the bilateral relationship between Mexico and the UK as she continues to inspire and empower women”.
Deb said: “It is an absolute honor to be appointed Honorary Consul to Mexico.
“Over the last three years the relationship between Birmingham, the West Midlands and Mexico has grown significantly.
“Both myself and Her Excellency Josefa Gonzalez-Blanco Ortiz-Mena, Ambassador of Mexico to the United Kingdom, recognize the growing opportunities for trade, cooperation and innovation.
“As Honorary Consul, my role is to be the bridge between Mexico and our region, promoting opportunities for economic growth, academic collaboration and cultural understanding.
“The UK is an island but we must never have an island mentality. In a world of global connectivity and global challenges, we are stronger together.
“Significantly, the Mexican Government has approved the appointment of an Honorary Consul of Mexico in Birmingham, the first time such an appointment has taken place outside of London.”
Her Excellency Josefa Gonzalez-Blanco Ortiz-Mena said: “This appointment aims to expand the presence of the Embassy of Mexico and strengthen the support we provide in the West Midlands.
“Furthermore, our new Honorary Consul will be vital in strengthening our relationship with local governments and promoting cultural, business and educational exchanges with Mexico.£
Birmingham and the West Midlands’ relationship with Mexico has grown thanks to a program of activities between the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce and the Mexican Embassy in London.
Mark Smith, President of the Global Chamber, said: “I would like to congratulate Deb Leary on her appointment.
“Having an Honorary Consul of Mexico in the region for the first time sends the strongest possible positive message to businesses in the West Midlands that the ambassador and her country are serious about strengthening business links. The Chamber is here and ready to support them.”
Deb Leary, Josefa Gonzalez-Blanco Ortiz-Mena and Mark Smith were also joined by a host of West Midlands businesses for a roundtable discussion at the Chamber’s headquarters at 54 Hagley Road.
Firms present included Birmingham Wholesale Markets, Technolink, Arup, WSP, Flexeserve, Forvis Mazars and XPD Global.