Award-winning social enterprise On Purpose appoints four new Non-Executive Directors
On Purpose is a highly-regarded international social enterprise operating in London, Paris and Berlin. Its flagship Associate Programme focuses on identifying and developing people who will transform the economy. They target early- to mid-career professionals who are looking to change their trajectory and who want to tackle the most pressing issues of our time. Associates commit to a one-year full-time programme, combining two six-month paid work placements, half a day a week of training, and 1:1 mentoring and coaching.
On Purpose is currently going through a process of organisational change. As part of this, Society was approached for assistance with recruiting several additional Non-Executive Directors to strengthen its governance and broaden the skillset of its board.
Society worked closely with On Purpose's Founder, Tom Rippin, and the existing Board members to craft a search and attraction strategy that resulted in a staggering 188 applications. After an extensive assessment process - which included each candidate providing a written response to certain key questions - four people were appointed: Stefan Cousquer, Kate Simpson, Rosalind Holley, and George Adelman.
Stefan Cousquer is a highly experience consultant with a background of senior leadership roles in businesses such as Accenture and BP. He was on the Board of BP Solar and was Chair of Fabriq, a data analytics software company. His expertise is in facilitating organisational strategic change, and team and leadership development processes. He has a deep focus on working with complex living system challenges and regenerative practices. Stefan commented:
“My main excitement is because I really believe that On Purpose is tackling one of the greatest challenges of our time – developing an economy that works for all and operates within the means of our planet, without the injustices of today. I am also really excited to learn from others in the process and contribute to a growing community of system changers”.
Kate Simpson is an international leadership development specialist and purpose-driven senior leader focused on systems change for social impact. She brings twenty years of experience in the design and delivery of leadership development programmes, working with clients such as Impact International, The Forward Institute, Co-Create, Tao Leadership, and the University of Cambridge. Her particular expertise is around the design, delivery, sales and management of development programmes for global audiences and clients. She is an expert facilitator, able to convene, design and lead both virtual and face-to-face workshops and other event formats. Kate is also a specialist in experiential and participatory methodologies.
Rosalind Holley is the Director of Communications and Marketing at B Lab UK, the home of the UK’s B Corp movement. She leads a team focused on building a community of engaged businesses, raising awareness of the B Corp Movement and influencing lasting change to the UK economy. Prior to that she spent seven years leading an award-winning communications team for UnLtd, the foundation for social entrepreneurs, where she was instrumental in finding, funding and supporting leaders with the potential to change our society and economy for the better. During her time at UnLtd she launched Purposely, a world-first tool to help early-stage businesses change their company articles to embed purpose, and the Growth Impact Fund, a potential £25m social investment fund tackling systemic barriers to social investment. In her early career she headed up communications at the tech-for-good fundraising platform JustGiving.
George Adelman is a strategic transformation leader who has spent over 15 years delivering high-impact initiatives that drive inclusive growth, empower civil society, and scale mission-led innovation. He has deep cross-sector experience spanning strategy consulting, philanthropy, media transformation, and institutional reform. George has secured philanthropic and tech funding to build media capacity, to drive inclusion, and to foster accountable digital ecosystems. He is passionate about reimagining systems to be more equitable, transparent, and resilient. George is also deeply interested in the questions of how to lead ethically in complexity, how to navigate ambiguity, and how to align purpose with measurable outcomes. He commented:
“I’m excited to join On Purpose because I believe in the power of purpose-led organisations to create systemic, long-term change. My experience working with and advising mission-driven organisations across non-profit, public and private sectors, has shown me how strong leadership can align commercial success with social impact”.
Speaking about Society's role in the appointment process, Stefan remarked:
The selection process felt robust and thought through. I got the sense that every interaction felt relational and that you cared.
Stefan Cousquer
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