28 May 2009

Chief Executive of the Social Enterprise Coalition to step down in October 2009 

After six successful years leading the Social Enterprise Coalition, Jonathan Bland is stepping down at the end of October to relocate his family to Finland and to pursue new opportunities both here in the UK and in rest of Europe. In announcing his resignation today (28 May), Bland said: “I have been inspired by so many social entrepreneurs over the last 6 years and feel very privileged to have played a leadership role in the UK social enterprise movement.” Bland continued:”I have enormously enjoyed being the founding CEO of the Social Enterprise Coalition. I would like to acknowledge the huge support I have had from my staff, our Chair Claire Dove, Vice Chair Steve Wyler, the founding Chair Glenys Thornton, and other members of the Board. 

Claire Dove, Chair of the Coalition said:”Jonathan has done a fantastic job campaigning tirelessly to promote social enterprise.  Thanks to his passion and drive the Coalition is set to move into a new era, leading our movement to establish social enterprise at the heart of the UK economy. On behalf of our members, I want to thank Jonathan and wish him and his family every success with their future plans.” Dove continued: “The work on recruiting Jonathan’s successor will start immediately.  I am confident that we will have the right person to lead the Coalition and build on the strong foundation already in place.  Meanwhile, it’s business as usual at the Coalition. I will continue supporting Jonathan and the management team to deliver the work programme.”  Commenting on the Coalition’s plans, Dove said: “These are important times for social enterprise and we have a vital challenge ahead in setting the agenda for social enterprise to play a much bigger role in the economy.  I am certain that together we can harness the incredible power of social enterprise to transform lives and change communities.” 

Ends. 

Notes to editors: For more information contact Lilas Allen 020 7793 2524; lilas.allen@socialenterprise.org.uk

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