Executive Opportunities

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European Climate Foundation (ECF)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

The Hague, Berlin, Brussels, Budapest, London, Madrid, Paris, or Warsaw
2602-046L

The European Climate Foundation (ECF) is a major philanthropic initiative working to help tackle the climate crisis by fostering the transition to a net-zero emission society in Europe and around the world. ECF strives for a positive, people-centred and socially responsible climate transition, working to ensure a healthy, thriving planet for current and future generations. It acts as a field catalyst of organisations and part of a global network of regional and sectoral regranters.

Working with over 700 partners – including youth groups, trade associations and university departments – ECF supports a diverse network to drive urgent and ambitious policy and contribute to the public debate on climate action. With a global team represented across Europe, ECF builds tailored local strategies aligned to help achieve a greener, more peaceful and democratic society.

At a time of heightened geopolitical tension, economic uncertainty and increasing pressure on climate policy, bold and highly collaborative leadership is essential. Delivering a just, competitive and secure transition to net zero will require aligning climate ambition with economic and societal priorities, while expanding engagement across business, industry and the full political spectrum.

ECF is now seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer. This pivotal appointment will lead the organisation through a critical period for climate action in Europe and globally. Reporting to the Board, the CEO will define and deliver ECF’s vision and strategy, ensuring the organisation maximises its impact as a philanthropic catalyst and trusted partner across the climate ecosystem.

The CEO will act as the primary external representative of ECF, building and maintaining relationships with governments, funders, civil society and business leaders. They will serve as a connector and integrator across a complex landscape, aligning stakeholders to drive collective impact at scale. Internally, the CEO will lead and inspire a diverse, international organisation, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and values-driven culture.

The successful candidate will bring a proven track record of senior leadership in complex, mission-driven and international environments. They will demonstrate exceptional strategic capability, the ability to navigate political and economic complexity, and a strong track record of delivering organisational impact. Experience engaging at the highest levels across government, philanthropy and the private sector will be essential, alongside the credibility and judgement to operate effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.

European Climate Foundation (ECF) has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to assist with this appointment. Please click here to apply. You will be asked to register your details and upload your full CV and Statement of Suitability. All expressions of interest will be acknowledged. Applications should be submitted via this application portal by 5th June 2026.

Position Specification

International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Director General

Abu Dhabi, UAE
2604-006AE

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is seeking an exceptional international leader to serve as its next Director-General. As the world’s leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to renewable energy, with 171 Members, IRENA plays a central role in accelerating the global energy transition through policy advice, analysis, stakeholder engagement, and international cooperation. Based in Abu Dhabi, the Director-General will serve as the Agency’s head and chief administrative officer, providing strategic leadership, representing IRENA at the highest international levels, and overseeing all programmatic, administrative, financial, and operational functions. Further information on IRENA is available at: https://www.irena.org/

This appointment calls for a visionary and politically astute leader with strong global leadership credentials, a forward-looking understanding of renewable energy and emerging technologies, and exceptional diplomatic, communication, and stakeholder-management skills. The successful candidate will guide IRENA through an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, strengthen the Agency’s global visibility and influence, deepen relationships with Members and partners, and ensure IRENA remains agile, credible, and impactful in delivering its mandate.

Candidates should have at least 15 years of professional experience, including substantial senior leadership experience in government, international organizations, the private sector, or related fields, as well as the ability to lead large, multicultural institutions in complex international settings. The position is for a four-year term, renewable once for one further term only. IRENA has collaborated with Russell Reynolds Associates to assist in this process.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a detailed curriculum vitae or Personal History Profile, a Letter of Intent, a Vision Statement and a certificate of good health from a recognized medical facility through the online application portal by 5th July 2026: Please click here to apply.

Position Specification

British Cycling
Group Chief Executive Officer

Manchester
2604-018L

British Cycling is the national governing body for cycling in Great Britain, responsible for overseeing, developing and promoting the sport from grassroots participation through to elite international competition. The organisation exists to bring the joy of cycling to everyone and to use the bike as a force for health, inclusion and social impact.

British Cycling is seeking a Group Chief Executive Officer to lead the organisation through its next phase of growth and delivery. With a clear and compelling strategy through to 2029, strengthened commercial foundations, and renewed organisational momentum, the organisation is well positioned to build on its progress across performance, participation and community impact.

The Group Chief Executive Officer will provide overall leadership of British Cycling and its group entities, ensuring the delivery of strategy, strong governance, and long-term financial and organisational sustainability. As the principal ambassador, the CEO will build trust and influence across a complex stakeholder landscape, including funders, partners, government and the wider cycling community.

The Board is seeking a strategic, commercially astute leader with experience operating in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate a track record of strong strategic execution, driving financial sustainability and commercial opportunity, and the ability to build high-performing, inclusive and values-led teams. They will also require the credibility to operate effectively externally across government, business and the wider sport and cycling ecosystem, as well as at Board level.

Experience in sport is not essential; however, a passion for the purpose and an appreciation of the scale and diversity of those British Cycling serves is critical.

For further information about the position and additional details on how to apply, please see job specification below.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 BST on Sunday 10^th May 2026.

Position Specification

Financial Conduct Authority
Director of Communications

London, Leeds or Edinburgh
2603-099L

Shape the Voice of the UK’s Financial Regulator

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is driving a fairer, more resilient financial system – protecting consumers, strengthening markets and supporting economic growth. As part of a major transformation, the FCA is becoming a more data-led, forward-thinking regulator, underpinned by its 2025-2030 strategy.

We are seeking a Director of Communications to play a pivotal role in shaping how the FCA communicates, builds trust and delivers impact.

This is a senior leadership role combining strategic advisory responsibility with leadership of a 120-person communications function.

You will:

• Advise the Chief Executive, Board and senior leadership on communications, reputation and stakeholder strategy.
• Shape the FCA’s external narrative, ensuring clarity on complex, high-profile regulatory issues.
• Lead engagement across media, government, industry and consumer groups.
• Oversee crisis communications and high-profile issues.
• Lead internal communications, engaging a 5,500-strong workforce.
• Drive data-led, digital and insight-driven communications capability.
• Contribute to the FCA’s wider transformation, including technology and AI adoption.

We are seeking a senior communications leader with experience in complex, high-profile environments.

You will bring proven experience advising senior executives and boards; strong track record leading large communications teams; excellent judgement in politically sensitive and high-profile situations; outstanding stakeholder management and influencing skills; experience delivering insight-led, outcome-driven communications strategies; and the ability to lead through change and build high-performing, inclusive teams.

This is one of the most high-profile communications roles in UK financial services – offering the chance to shape public confidence in a transforming regulator at a critical time. We welcome applications from exceptional leaders ready to operate at the highest level.

The FCA has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to advise on this appointment. For further information about the position and additional details on how to apply, please review the position specification below.

The closing date for applications is 23:55 BST on Tuesday 12^th May 2026.

Position Specification

National Wealth Fund
Chief Operating Officer

Leeds
2505-517L

A Unique Opportunity to Shape a Pivotal UK Financial Institution

The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is at the forefront of investing public money for the UK's future. With an enhanced £27.8 billion in capital, our expanded remit now goes beyond infrastructure to include growth-driving industrial sectors like advanced manufacturing, alongside a renewed focus on clean energy, digital technologies, and transport, including investment in dual-use technologies.

We operate on a triple bottom line: delivering on the government's growth and clean energy missions, generating returns for the taxpayer, and crowding in private capital.

The Role

The National Wealth Fund seeks an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide executive leadership for Operations, IT, PMO, Procurement, and Facilities. As a key member of the Executive Team, you will be instrumental in shaping the strategy, planning, and future development of the NWF, working closely with the CEO and the Board.

You will be accountable for the delivery and continuous enhancement of the technology platform, operational processes, and infrastructure that underpin the Fund's strategy.

About You

The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with a significant track record in a senior capacity within wholesale banking or broader financial services, including experience interacting at the C-Suite level with oversight of functions such as Operations, IT, PMO, Procurement, and Facilities. You must be adept at operating effectively at Board level and with senior stakeholders, possessing a strong understanding of investment end-to-end processes and the deployment of best practice at an enterprise scale.

Furthermore, you will be passionate about the NWF's clean energy and growth policy objectives, bringing an entrepreneurial outlook and a willingness to be hands-on in the Fund's development.

Terms of Appointment and How to Apply

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 23:59 on July 13th 2025.

Position Specification