Big Issue Invest has announced Jenny Knott (pictured) as its new chair, replacing Mark Porter.
Knott joins the Big Issue Group’s social investment arm with over 35 years’ experience, including as CEO of Standard Bank from 2010 to 2015. She has also held a number of non-executive director roles at the British Business Bank, Simplyhealth and Camco.
She replaces Porter, who has been chair of Big Issue Invest for two years.
Knott said: “I’m delighted to be joining Big Issue Invest as its new chair. At a time when social inequality remains stubbornly high, I’ve been impressed by the range of innovative social businesses being backed by Big Issue Invest. It has a proven track record of unlocking life-changing opportunities at scale and demonstrating social impact doesn’t need to come at the expense of financial return.
“I look forward to working with Holger and the team to build on this momentum and extend our reach further still.”
Holger Westphely, managing director of Big Issue Invest, added: “I am delighted to welcome Jenny as our new chair. Her wealth of professional and non-executive experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow and look for new opportunities to expand our impact.
“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Mark Porter for the exceptional work he’s done over the past two years. Under his guidance, we have strengthened the business and deepened our impact with hundreds of brilliant changemaking organisations working across the UK. We’re truly grateful for all he’s achieved and wish him the very best for the future.”
