The Big Issue Group has elected Mark Porter as chair of their social investment arm, Big Issue Invest (BII), replacing departing chair Warren Taylor.
Porter has spent over 35 years in the financial services industry in investment management, banking and investor services, which saw him hold a number of executive and board positions within institutional and private equity backed businesses, including at UBS, MUFG and more recently Equiom Group.
The move comes at a time when BII says it looking to build stronger relationships with the wider investment community.
Danyal Sattar, CEO of BII, commented: “There is ever more need to provide critical investments in social enterprises which address social inequality and poverty. That impact can only be delivered through forging deeper relationships with the investment community. Mark’s appointment will help us address this important challenge.
“We have exceptional board and committee members here at Big Issue Invest and, as well as their more conventional governance role, they play an invaluable function in understanding and holding our impact mission and providing continuity of knowledge over the years. Mark’s skills and experience are a great complement to mine, and I look forward to working him over the coming years.”
BII’s departing chair Taylor said after over seven years as chair of the board, it was time to give someone else the honour of helping lead the organisation.
“We have achieved many good things over these years, but as is clear, the need for BII’s work is now greater than ever. I welcome Mark’s appointment and consider him to be absolutely the right person to help take the company forward to even more growth and success in delivering on the Big Issue Group’s mission.”
Commenting on his appointment, Porter said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be asked to join the board of Big Issue Invest. The Big Issue Group has so many talented people delivering critical social impact in such a diverse and innovative set of ways. I hope to able to play some small part in that journey, helping the BII CEO Danyal Sattar and his executive team in building on a great platform for a sustained period of growth, enabling the business to deliver ever greater impact.”
