Executive Opportunities

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National Wealth Fund
Non-Executive Director

United Kingdom
P2504-043L

The Chancellor of the Exchequer wishes to appoint three new Non-Executive Directors to the Board of Directors of the National Wealth Fund (NWF). The Board is responsible for providing leadership, setting strategic direction, reviewing the performance of management, and ensuring that the obligations to the shareholder and other stakeholders are understood and met.

The NWF is the UK government’s primary Public Financial Institution and is at the forefront of investing public money for our future. To date the NWF, and its predecessor organisation the UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB), has invested £5.3 billion, mobilising £12.9 billion of private finance, and created or supported over 20,000 jobs. Through its leadership role, the NWF provides markets with the long-term certainty to build and supports investor confidence. It invests in key projects to reduce carbon emissions, create jobs, improve the UK’s economic security, and support regional and local authorities to invest in their areas. The objectives of the NWF are reflected in its triple bottom line: helping deliver the government's growth and clean energy missions, generating a return for the taxpayer, and crowding in private capital.

The Chancellor has set the ambition to go further over the course of this parliament, entrusting NWF with additional capital to be deployed over and above the original commitment. The NWF will have £27.8 billion of financial capacity and an increased risk appetite with up to £7 billion in economic capital to hold against investments. The NWF is uniquely placed to bridge the gap between public ambition and private sector finance, playing a pivotal role in driving growth as an engrained part of the UK’s financial architecture. Its mandate is set out in its Strategic Steer from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, although it will operate with a high degree of operational independence in its day-to-day activities, especially with regard to investment decisions.

To ensure the board continues to have the right blend of skills and experience to support the strategic ambitions and activities of the NWF, three new Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) are being sought to the board. NEDs are expected to contribute to matters ranging, for example, from supporting the government's growth and clean energy missions to the management of a wide variety of risks, as well as assessing the different strategies and interventions that might be required for different parts of the UK where there is an undersupply of private finance. The board is also responsible for the review and approval of lending and investment decisions above a certain threshold.

Candidates will have senior, board level leadership experience with a strong track record of delivery and will bring demonstrable knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas, or the ability to quickly grasp the key issues in:

• Working with sub-national, mayoral, regional, and local government or devolved governments and an understanding of project development and financing with these authorities.
• Experience of working in finance and risk management with exposure to an audit and risk committee of a financial entity, comparable business, or equivalent experience.
• Structuring, monitoring, or managing financing transactions from either a banking or principal perspective.

NWF has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service and how to apply, please review the position specification below.

The closing date for applications is 23:55 on 21st May 2025.

Position Specification

Financial Conduct Authority
Director, Consumer Finance

United Kingdom
2503-078L

At the FCA, we’re creating a fair and more resilient financial system. We are establishing more transparent relationships between financial services and customers, building trust in financial markets and protecting vulnerable consumers.

Together, we are on an exciting journey as we drive forward significant organisational, people, process, and technology transformation to become a more forward-thinking, proactive regulator. We will use data more effectively to drive better regulatory decisions and build greater cohesion across our broad financial services remit.

The Director of Consumer Finance is an important senior leadership role within the Supervision, Policy and Competition (SPC) Division in the FCA. It reports directly to the Executive Director of Consumers and Competition. The Director will be leading key regulatory work in support of the FCA’s new 5-year strategy which seeks to deepen trust, rebalance risk, support growth and improve lives.

This leadership role will lead the delivery of the FCA strategy across firms in the consumer finance market – leading a team of 125-150 colleagues across multiple FCA locations. The director will drive a focus on creating a culture of being open, curious, collaborative and resourceful in support of delivery of the new FCA strategy. To deliver their responsibilities, the role holder and their directorate will work in very close collaboration with the wider FCA Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and other FCA divisions.

The Financial Conduct Authority has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service and how to apply, please review the position specification below.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 11th May 2025.

Position Specification

Central European University
Rector-President

Vienna, Austria
2503-501L 

Central European University (CEU) in Vienna, Austria, is inviting applications from visionary and inclusive academic leaders as new Rector-President with an effective start date of August 1, 2026. A beacon of academic excellence and innovation, renowned for its dedication to addressing complex global challenges through education and research, CEU provides its 1,500 students and 180 faculty with a dynamic environment where intellectual curiosity and diversity thrive. As an institution committed to societal progress, CEU is poised for its next phase of leadership and development. CEU is known for its emphasis on advanced research and academic excellence primarily in the social sciences and humanities, and for its mission centered around the values of open society. CEU is accredited in the US and in Austria.

The Rector-President of CEU will guide the University towards realizing its strategic ambitions and enhancing its global presence. This role demands an inspiring leader who can build on CEU's established strengths in the social sciences and humanities and equip it to face the challenges of the next generation. The Rector-President will be tasked with articulating a vision that aligns with CEU's mission and values and deepens its partnerships with other teaching and research institutions.

In embracing this prestigious role, the Rector-President will immerse themselves in Vienna's unique cultural and educational landscape, serving not only as an academic leader but also as a prominent figure in the city's intellectual and social life. The Rector-President will embody CEU's core values of academic excellence, diversity, and inclusivity, setting the tone for the institution's culture and aspirations. An accomplished communicator, this person will engage with a wide range of audiences, including academic peers, governmental bodies, industry partners, and the broader community, fostering relationships that are crucial for CEU's success.

Candidates for the Rector-President position will bring a distinguished academic and research track record, with proven experience in leading complex academic organizations. The ability to inspire and unite teams will be essential, as will a demonstrable commitment to academic excellence and freedom of inquiry. Proficiency in English is required, and knowledge of German will be an asset.

The Central European University has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to assist with this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service and how to apply, please review the position specification below.

The closing date for applications is May 11th 2025.

Position Specification

Channel Four Television Corporation
Chair

United Kingdom
2501-004L

Channel 4 Television Corporation (C4C) is more than a public service broadcaster, it is a unique and distinctive part of life in the UK. There is nowhere quite like Channel 4. Publicly owned yet commercially funded, it occupies a unique place in the UK's media landscape. Channel 4 was created to be a disruptive, innovative force in UK broadcasting and its role is to represent unheard voices, challenge with purpose, and reinvent entertainment. It broadcasts across the whole of the UK and is available on all digital platforms via a network of 12 television channels including Channel 4 (linear service), E4, More4, Film4 and 4seven, as well the UK’s biggest streaming service. Film4 co-produces feature films for the UK and global markets. Recent highlights in 2024 included Channel 4 News being recognized as News Provider of the Year at the Journalism Awards, Film 4 receiving a record number of Bafta and Oscar nominations and award wins, as well as spectacular coverage of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games which was watched by 20 million people across the UK.

Ofcom is seeking to appoint a new Chair to Channel Four Television Corporation to replace the current chair, whose term of office ends on 10 April 2025. The appointment will be made by Ofcom, subject to approval by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The Chair has responsibility for leading the Board which provides strategic direction and ensures that Channel 4’s statutory requirements and public service remit is fulfilled. The Chair also plays a key role in maintaining effective and collaborative relationships with various stakeholders, including with Government.

The Chair will be an individual who has proven commercial success, together with a strong interest in and understanding of the media and of public service broadcasting. A recognition of the challenges of sustainability, and the skills to promote and sustain the diversity that is central to Channel 4’s remit, is also required. Candidates are likely to have achieved success in leading a major organisation delivering sustainable commercial results, with experience at board level, ideally as a chair. A track record of building effective and collaborative relationships with industry, government and regulators will be important. Personal characteristics required include strong leadership, strategic thinking and vision, excellent interpersonal and communications skills and a high level of personal integrity.

Diversity in TV and the media is a top priority for Ofcom and Channel 4. Channel 4’s vision is to build on its heritage as a trailblazer in diversity, with an emphasis on achieving greater inclusion; to be a beacon to the UK industry of what an inclusive, diverse and creative culture can look like. We know diverse teams allow for a more creative and productive environment and therefore encourage applications from qualified candidates irrespective of ethnicity, age, disability or long-term conditions, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, working patterns or religious beliefs.

The closing date for applications is 23:55 on 27^th April 2025.

Ofcom has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and how to apply, please view the Position Specification available below.

Position Specification

City of London Corporation
Chief Executive Officer, Barbican Centre

United Kingdom
P2502-099L

Lead the Cultural Renaissance: Become the Next CEO of the Barbican Centre

The Barbican Centre, a jewel in London's cultural crown, is seeking a transformative leader to guide its evolution. This isn't just a leadership role; it's a chance to sculpt the future of arts and culture in a globally significant institution. If you're a visionary with a passion for creativity and a drive for impact, this is your moment.

We're not just a multi-arts centre; we're a catalyst for creativity, a community cornerstone, and a global destination. You'll champion emerging talent, ignite cultural conversations, and ensure the Barbican remains a beacon of artistic excellence and a catalyst for social and cultural change. In a post-pandemic world, where the arts are vital to societal well-being, you will champion the Barbican, navigating challenges with strategic foresight and leadership and seizing unprecedented opportunities to elevate our global impact.

This role demands a leader who can seamlessly blend commercial acumen with artistic passion. You'll navigate a complex stakeholder environment and foster a positive relationship with City of London Corporation. You will be a driving force in driving innovation, securing funding, cultivating donor relationships and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. Your ability to inspire, empower, and lead a high-performing team in a calm and steady manner through change will be paramount. As CEO, you'll be the architect of our future.

We seek a CEO with a proven track record in the creative/culture sector, a deep understanding of public-funded matrix-based organisations, and an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. You'll be a thought leader in cultural debates, advocating for the transformative power of the arts whilst driving commercial services.

The Barbican's ambitious Renewal programme presents a unique opportunity to reshape our iconic space, ensuring it remains a beacon of artistic excellence for future generations. More than just a leader, you'll be an ambassador, a spokesperson, and a visionary, building strategic partnerships, engaging with international stakeholders, and championing London's cultural vibrancy. Your exceptional communication skills will foster transparency, build trust, and inspire action.

If you're a dynamic, resilient, and visionary leader ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of a world-class cultural institution, we invite you to join us. Lead the Barbican into a new era of artistic innovation and societal impact. This is your chance to leave a legacy that resonates across the globe.

The Barbican Centre, City of London Corporation has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service and how to apply, please view the Position Specification available below.

To find out more about the Barbican Centre, please visit: https://www.barbican.org.uk/ceo-recruitment

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 27th April 2025.

Position Specification

National Energy System Operator
Non-Executive Director, Strategic Challenge & Market Design

United Kingdom
2503-023L

At National Energy System Operator, our mission is to meet the challenges of the future and deliver cleaner, affordable electricity. We constantly strive to do this better by using technology and innovation to transform the way we work.

Launched on 1st October, 2024, NESO is taking a whole system approach, looking across natural gas, electricity and other forms of energy to fulfil our primary and secondary duties as described in the Energy Act. We are engaging participants in all parts of the energy ecosystem to deliver the plans, markets and operations of the energy system of today and the future. These participants as NESO's customers and they include industry, communities, consumers and other stakeholder groups.

As we continue to build the skills within NESO and enhance the organisation’s governance, we are seeking a new non-executive director (NED) to join the board. As well as playing a key role in driving the organisation’s overall mission, values, and strategic direction, this NED will specifically bring the “investor mindset” to the board, underpinned with specific expertise on the changing energy market dynamics, and will therefore bring a focus and perspective on investment across the sector. They will offer critical support and challenge on NESO’s planning and recommendations, which in turn will deliver much-needed long-term certainty and stability for investors and accelerate the growth of the UK’s clean energy industries.

The NED will play a central role in shaping the board’s recommendations and decisions that underpin the substantial investment required to transform the country’s energy system. NESO has already recommended, and the Government has accepted, proposals to achieve a Clean Power electricity system by 2030 and the need to secure over £40bn in annual investment. The NED will play a pivotal role as the board oversees how these investment recommendations are optimised, through careful design, to attract investors, whilst minimising impacts on communities and ensure that their wider benefits are seized upon.

NESO has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service and how to apply, please view the Position Specification available below.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Monday 21st April 2025.

Position Specification

National Wealth Fund
Chief Executive Officer

United Kingdom
P2502-189L

The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is at the forefront of investing public money for our future.

The NWF will have £27.8 billion of financial capacity. It will have an increased risk appetite with up to £7 billion in economic capital to hold against investments. Its mandate is set out in its Strategic Steer from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, although it will operate with a high degree of operational independence in its day-to-day activities, especially with regards to investment decisions. Through its leadership role, the NWF provides markets with the long-term certainty to build and supports investor confidence. It invests in key projects to reduce carbon emissions, create jobs, improve the UK’s economic security and support regional and local authorities to invest in their areas.

To date the NWF, and its predecessor organisation, has invested £5 billion, mobilising £12.5 billion of private finance and created 18,600 jobs. The Chancellor set the ambition to go further over this parliament, entrusting NWF with additional capital to be deployed over and above the original commitment.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer wishes to appoint a CEO for the National Wealth Fund. Leadership of the NWF involves leading a growing organisation of up to 400 staff, managing the evolving portfolio of debt/equity investments and guarantees, developing a multi-billion pipeline into active projects and companies, and building strong relationships with central, regional and local government.

The CEO is responsible for the ultimate executive leadership, day-to-day management and performance of the NWF – including ensuring the NWF delivers against the strategy and targets set by government and the board. In addition, the CEO will have public facing responsibilities and will be expected to manage the bank’s relationship with HM Government, act as its ambassador, and ensure it delivers in line with its mandate.

Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA) has been retained to support this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service and how to apply, please view the Position Specification available below.

The closing date for applications is 23:55 on 22nd April 2025.

Position Specification

UK Health Security Agency
Chief Executive

United Kingdom
P2502-035L

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) prevents, prepares for and responds to infectious diseases and the impact of chemical, radiological and other environmental health hazards, to keep all our communities safe, save lives and protect livelihoods. It plays an important role in the science of health protection, the innovation and growth of the UK life sciences industry, and the UK’s contribution to global health security. In fulfilling these missions, it interacts with and serves the public, the NHS, the government and scientists across the world.

The UKHSA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care and they are now seeking a Chief Executive. They will lead the agency and will be accountable for its strategy and operations, as well as the effective and efficient use of public funds. Key responsibilities include: building the vision and plan that supports the ambition for UKHSA to be a scientific and operational leader in health security; providing strong leadership to a multi-disciplinary organisation of 5,500 people, by translating Ministers’ ambitions into a clear vision to staff, setting a direction for that vision and ensuring the agency is organised, resourced and motivated to deliver its priorities; leading the emergency preparedness and response to health security threats, ranging from infectious diseases, CBRN, antimicrobial resistance to emerging zoonotic diseases and environmental hazards. In addition, they ensure that the scientific capabilities are in place to support health protection systems and support opportunities to contribute to economic growth and the development of the UK’s life sciences industry.

The Chief Executive is accountable to Parliament, as Accounting Officer, for the UKHSA’s performance, acting as ambassador and representative for UK health security and protection, working with multiple stakeholders, including national and global peers, as well as with the devolved governments, local authorities and health systems. The Chief Executive will manage a core budget of approximately £400m revenue and £80m capital, plus additional funding of circa £900m for COVID-19 vaccines.

The role of CEO of UKHSA is therefore a challenging but also a fascinating one, with no two days the same. Whilst candidates for this prominent Permanent Secretary-level role do not have to be scientists or public health professionals, they will need to have worked extensively in one of those fields, demonstrating a high level of leadership credibility. It will be essential to possess sufficient breadth and depth of experience to lead and represent the UK’s health protection interests with confidence, including the communication and influencing skills to work effectively with health and science experts, Ministers and a wide variety of external stakeholders. The ability to direct and motivate a large, widely distributed team, translate strategy into delivery and manage large and complex budgets will all be important characteristics. The resilience to work under sustained pressure and scrutiny; and lead through ambiguity will also be critical to the Chief Executive’s success. Familiarity with technology as an enabler of efficiency and innovation, and experience in a commercial environment, would be helpful.

Diversity is vital to the success of this role, and to the Civil Service as a whole. We actively welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds, with different experiences and perspectives - and we are committed to ensuring that we work in an inclusive way that means everyone in the Civil Service can perform at their best.

UKHSA has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service and how to apply, please the position specification below.

The closing date for applications is 23:55 on 2^nd April 2025.

Position Specification

Crown Commercial Service
Strategy Delivery Director

United Kingdom
P2501-131L

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has a huge role to play in enabling the government’s missions and supporting the ‘Plan for Change’ - and in doing so supporting the government to achieve the best outcomes for the UK. The role of Strategy Delivery Director is pivotal in achieving the mission we have set for ourselves over the next five years to be a truly customer-led organisation.

We are procurement experts. We help the public sector maximise every pound so precious resources can go where they’re needed most. We do this by establishing and managing outstanding customer focused commercial agreements for common goods and services. Our category expertise and procurement capability mean that our customers can buy effectively and efficiently.

Would you like to lead transformation delivery in the UK’s largest public procurement organisation? Do you want to shape and execute a strategy that drives value for our customers, delivers operational excellence and ensures better outcomes for the public sector?

We’re seeking an exceptional leader who will support the CEO to take the organisation into its next stage, by playing a pivotal role in accelerating the delivery of CCS’s mission to become a world class, customer centric, commercial and procurement organisation.

The successful candidate will lead the Strategic Delivery Directorate, which is a new directorate that will provide a unified framework for managing transformation across CCS. It will connect strategy and investment decisions, guiding them through to delivery in an enterprise wide execution plan. It will ensure the Digital Services Directorate receives the necessary business information for consistent digital improvements, while considering non-digital changes to achieve tangible results for CCS and customers. The Strategy Delivery Director will serve as a key member of the CCS executive committee, and will therefore be collectively responsible for the management of the whole organisation.

CCS has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service and how to apply, please review the position specification below.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 30^th March 2025.

Position Specification

British International Investment (BII)
Chief Investment Officer

London, UK
2501-056L

British International Investment (BII), the UK's leading development finance institution, is dedicated to fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth in underserved markets. BII is seeking a visionary Chief Investment Officer (CIO) to lead its investment strategy and asset allocation, ensuring alignment with BII’s dual mandate of delivering development impact and financial returns.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the CIO will oversee BII's investment strategy and asset allocation, be responsible for the governance and processes surrounding the firm’s investments and portfolio, and chair Investment Committees. The CIO will drive a high-performance investment culture, ensuring rigorous governance and the optimisation of BII’s diverse portfolio across various debt and equity instruments. The CIO will collaborate with sector leads to align sector strategies with BII’s overarching goals. As a key member of the senior leadership team (ExCo), the CIO additionally has a shared responsibility for broader leadership of the firm.

Candidates for the role will have a proven track record in private equity or credit, ideally with experience in emerging markets. They should possess exceptional strategic thinking, risk management, and people management skills. A deep commitment to BII’s mission, high ethical standards, and a willingness to engage with the regions BII invests in are essential.

BII is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or educational background.

BII has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on qualifications, requirements, terms and conditions of service and how to apply, please review the position specification below.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Monday, 31^st March 2025.

Position Specification