Bernard Zissman

Sir Bernard Zissman (born 1933/1934[1]) is a British businessperson, politician and author.

Background

Zissman was born into a family which ran a menswear firm that was established by Zissman's grandfather.[2] Zissman attended King Edward VI Five Ways School in Birmingham.[3]

Career

Before entering politics, Zissman worked for his family's menwear company.[4]

Zissman served as a local councillor in Birmingham for over 30 years.[5] Zissman first became a local councillor in Birmingham when he was elected councillor for the Rotton Park ward in 1965; he was later a councillor for Harborne ward, but lost his Harborne sat in the 1995 Local Elections.[6] As of 1976, he held responsibility for children's services within the council.[7] As of 1983, Zissman was chair of Birmingham's General Purposes Committee.[8] As of 1994, Zissman was the leader of the Conservative group on Birmingham City Council.[9]

Zissman chaired the Birmingham City Council committee responsible for the building of the International Convention Centre,[10] which was opened in 1991.

In 1990, Zissman was the Lord Mayor of Birmingham.[2]

As of 2003, Zissman was the chair of Good Hope Hospital NHS Trust in Sutton Coldfield.[11]

In 2002, he published A Knight Out with Chamberlain in Birmingham, a book in which he explored the activities of Joseph Chamberlain and Zissman himself in terms of urban development in Birmingham.[12]

In 2008, a book by Zissman about the founder of the state Israel Theodor Herzl was published; in 2012, Zissman announced that he wished to produce a film adaptation of the book. In 2024, it was announced that David Baddiel would narrate the film.[13] In 2025, the film was launched by Zissman at BAFTA.[14]

In 2011, Zissman was appointed chairman of Rewind PR.[15] Zissman currently serves as the chairperson of several companies.[16] He has also held positions at a number of charitable organisations.[16]

Honours

Zissman was awarded a knighthood in 1996.[17] He received an honorary degree from the University of Birmingham in 1997.[18] He is also an honorary graduate of Birmingham City University.[19]

Personal life

Zissman married Cynthia Glass in 1958.[6]

References

  1. ^ "Birmingham Evening Mail from Birmingham, West Midlands, England". Newspapers.com. 1995-12-30. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  2. ^ a b Young, Graham (2012-11-23). "Sir Bernard Zissman aiming to make a movie on Israel visionary Theodor Herzl". Business Live. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  3. ^ "ABOUT SIR BERNARD | Sir Bernard Zissman". Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  4. ^ Young, Graham (2012-11-26). "Former Birmingham Mayor on a mission to make a movie of Israel visionary Herzl". Birmingham Live. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  5. ^ Young, Graham (2012-11-23). "Sir Bernard Zissman aiming to make a movie on Israel visionary Theodor Herzl". Business Live. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  6. ^ a b "Birmingham Evening Mail from Birmingham, West Midlands, England". Newspapers.com. 1995-12-30. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  7. ^ "ATV Today: 13.09.1976: Councillor Bernard Zissman, Birmingham City Council". ATV. 13 September 1976 – via Mace Archive.
  8. ^ "8W - Where? - Birmingham". www.forix.com. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  9. ^ "BIRMINGHAM CITY COUNCIL (No. 4) - Early Day Motions - UK Parliament". edm.parliament.uk. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  10. ^ "Birmingham lacks strong candidates for mayor, says Bernard Zissman". Birmingham Post. 2011-08-18. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  11. ^ "Hospital settles with former boss". 2003-10-24. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  12. ^ A Knight Out with Chamberlain in Birmingham.
  13. ^ DanielDyson (2024-11-14). "Westside champion Sir Bernard Zissman produces historical documentary with David Baddiel". Westside BID. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  14. ^ "PressReader.com - Digital Newspaper & Magazine Subscriptions". www.pressreader.com. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  15. ^ Media, Insider (2011-06-07). "Zissman bulks up Rewired PR - Insider Media". Insider Media Ltd. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  16. ^ a b "ABOUT SIR BERNARD | Sir Bernard Zissman". Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  17. ^ "The London Gazette" (PDF). The London Gazette. 27 September 1996. Retrieved 23 August 2025.
  18. ^ "About". Advantage Business Angels. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
  19. ^ "Full list of Honorary Graduates". Birmingham City University. Retrieved 2025-08-23.
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