Big Issue Invest has announced it is searching for a new CEO as Danyal Sattar OBE is set to step down in March 2025.
Sattar (pictured) has been CEO for six years and has overseen the challenges of the Covid 19 pandemic, launched two impact funds and new lending facilities backing the UK’s biggest social issues. He was recognised for his work in the social impact investment sector as OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours earlier this year.
He is leaving Big Issue Invest, part of the Big Issue Group, to seek a new opportunity within the social impact sector, according to a statement.
Sattar said: “I’ve always been immensely proud to work for the Big Issue Group. At Big Issue Invest, we get to extend the work of the Big Issue Group, by enabling social businesses that provide core solutions to ending poverty to grow through social impact investment. I have never stopped wanting to bring about the change we need for our environment and society, and I look forward to going on to do that in a new way with a new challenge.”
Mark Porter, chair of Big Issue Invest, has started the recruitment process of finding a CEO replacement ready for March next year.
He said: “Sattar indicated earlier in 2024 that now would be the right time for him to look for his next opportunity in the world of social impact. He has provided excellent leadership since his appointment in 2018 and on behalf of all – investors, investees and Big Issue colleagues – I’d like to personally thank him on behalf of everyone at the Big Issue Group and all our Big Issue Invest partners.
“Under his leadership, Big Issue Invest is in a strong position to meet the challenges of providing investors with a financial return, while doing good and providing the capital that is needed to tackle some of society’s biggest issues. As part of the wider cross-group senior leadership team, Danyal has also helped to make impact central to every aspect of the Big Issue Group’s work.”
