Executive Opportunities

If you are interested in a role that you understand Russell Reynolds Associates may be handling but do not see this listed below, please contact us at responses@russellreynolds.com and we will direct your query to the responsible consultant.

Rail Safety and Standards Board
Non-Executive Director and Chair of Audit & Risk

-----------
2601-026L

The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) is a membership organisation serving Britain’s railway industry. As a non-profit company, RSSB works collaboratively to make rail safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. We develop standards, manage a national research programme, analyse risk and data, and support health, wellbeing, innovation, and operational performance across the industry.

RSSB is now seeking an experienced Non-Executive Director to serve as Chair of Audit and Risk. This presents a rare opportunity to join a body at the heart of the rail industry at a critical moment of evolution and change; the sector is currently undergoing a period of unprecedented transformation, driven by technological innovation, evolving customer expectations, and a renewed focus on sustainability.

Against this backdrop, RSSB must continue to play a vital role in ensuring a safe, sustainable, and high-performing railway for Britain. As Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, the successful candidate will have responsibility for overseeing financial governance, risk management and assurance during this critical period. Working closely with the Chair, fellow Non-Executive Directors and the Executive team, the appointee will help ensure RSSB maintains robust systems of control and risk oversight across a complex and evolving external environment. As a member of the Board, they will also contribute more widely to the strategic direction and long-term success of RSSB, providing independent judgement, insight and constructive challenge, and acting as a guardian of RSSB’s mission and vision.

The RSSB is seeking to find candidates able and willing to bring fresh insight and encourage a culture of innovation. They will be dynamic ambassadors with strong stakeholder management skills, and bring experience in similarly complex, regulated landscapes. Candidates are anticipated to bring previous board level experience of audit and risk, including bringing a broad understanding of organisational risk including financial, digital, cyber, supplier, operational, political and enterprise risk. An individual of upmost integrity, the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a clear commitment to diversity and high standards of governance, and a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.

Prior experience in the rail sector is not required. Candidates must be independent and free from conflicts of interest, and motivated by RSSB’s mission to improve safety and performance across Britain’s rail network.

Terms of Appointment

Term: Three years, with the possibility of renewal

Time Commitment: Approximately 14–16 days per annum

Remuneration: £24,342 per annum, plus an Audit and Risk Committee allowance of £4,172, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

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

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 1st February 2026.

Position Specification

Global Fund
Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board

-----------
2510-112L

The Board of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) will appoint a new Chair and Vice-Chair in 2026 for a three-year term. The Board Chair and Vice-Chair serve as ambassadors and advocates for the Global Fund’s work and lead the Board, which determines the organization’s strategy and policies.

The Global Fund is the largest multi-lateral provider of grants for health. Created in 2002, Global Fund is a worldwide partnership to defeat HIV, TB and malaria and ensure a healthier, safer, more equitable future for all. We raise and invest up to US$5 billion a year to fight the deadliest infectious diseases, challenge the injustice that fuels them and strengthen health systems in more than 100 countries. We unite world leaders, communities, civil society, health workers and the private sector to find out what works and take it to scale – so the world makes more progress, more rapidly. Now in its twenty-third year, the Global Fund partnership has saved more than 70 million lives, reduced deaths and new infections, and strengthened resilience to future health threats. At a pivotal moment for global health, the Global Fund is focused on maximising impact, advancing equity and sustainability, and shaping the next strategic phase toward 2030.

The Global Fund’s Board includes 20 voting members, with equal representation of implementers and donors. Non-governmental organisations, communities affected by HIV, TB and malaria, the private sector, and private foundations are also represented as voting members. In addition, there are eight non-voting members, including the Board Chair and Vice Chair, representatives of partner organisations, and the Additional Public Donors constituency.

The Global Fund actively seeks talented leaders from all over the world. The Chair and Vice-Chair will be responsible for guiding the deliberations of a Board comprised of a diverse mix of stakeholders and partners. Both will be figures of stature with track records of accomplishment which equip them to serve the Global Fund in its strategic deliberations and in its communication to external partners. The Board Leadership will bring deep experience of working with multi-stakeholder governance bodies. Between them, the Chair and Vice-Chair will possess an understanding of the global health architecture and of the governance process of the Global Fund, as well as transferable leadership experience from other sectors. The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Global Fund Board are eligible to receive an honorarium pursuant to the Honorarium Framework of the Global Fund.

The Global Fund has retained Russell Reynolds Associates to assist with these appointments. 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.

To reach the short-list and be interviewed by the Board Leadership Nomination Committee, candidates must formally be nominated by a Board constituency. Prospective candidates for either role are encouraged to register their interest by 31st January 2026 via this application portal: Please click here to apply.

Position Specification

IFRS Foundation
Managing Director

London
2511-044L

The IFRS Foundation is a globally renowned, independent non-profit organisation supporting transparency and efficiency of global capital markets. Established in 2001, the Foundation’s mission is to develop – in the public interest – high-quality, understandable, enforceable and globally accepted standards for general purpose financial reporting. Its standards – set by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) – have become the international language of corporate reporting. The standards result in decision-useful information for investors, are cost-effective for companies and are enforceable by regulators worldwide.

The IFRS Foundation is seeking to appoint a new Managing Director. Reporting to the Chair of the Trustees, the Managing Director will serve as the principal executive leader responsible for the strategic direction, operational management and overall performance of the Foundation. (The Chairs and members of the IASB and the ISSB are responsible for standard-setting.) The Managing Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring the Foundation’s resources, structures and support systems are optimised to advance its public interest mission and to enable the IASB and the ISSB to deliver on their global mandates.

The Managing Director’s role scope includes leading a high-performing group of executives and fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism, diversity and continuous improvement. The role encompasses responsibility for all central operational functions, including finance, human resources, revenue generation, communications, legal, governance and technology. A key focus will be to guide the Foundation’s ongoing transformation programme, drive operational excellence and ensure financial sustainability through robust funding and effective resource allocation.
The Managing Director will work closely with the Chair of the Trustees, Trustee Committee Chairs, and the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the IASB and the ISSB, developing strategic plans and transformation initiatives for the Foundation. The role also involves supporting the work and agendas of the Trustees, serving as secretary to the Trustees’ Executive Committee, and acting as a key liaison to the Monitoring Board and other international policy bodies.

Candidates should offer significant senior executive experience, ideally as Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer or Head of Central Functions, with a proven record of leading in complex, international and multi-stakeholder environments. Demonstrated success in guiding strategy, transformation, operational leadership, talent management and operating collaboratively with peers (in this case the standard-setting board Chairs) is essential. The role requires outstanding interpersonal, diplomatic and stakeholder management skills, as well as a collaborative, inclusive leadership style and high integrity. Fluency in English is required; additional languages and international experience are advantageous. The position is based in London, with global travel as needed.

For further information about the position and how to apply, please review the position specification below.

Applications are due by 23:59 GMT on Sunday 25 January 2026. The Foundation retains the discretion to consider applications received after this date.

Position Specification

Financial Conduct Authority
Director, Market Oversight

2510-113L

An opportunity to shape the future of UK finance

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is seeking a highly accomplished leader for the role of Director – Market Oversight. This position is vital to the FCA's strategic focus on growth and maintaining the integrity of the UK's world-leading financial services.

The Director will co-lead the Market Oversight directorate and will hold specific responsibility for the Listings and Primary Market Oversight functions. This entails overseeing the conduct of participants in the primary market through the listing, prospectus, and disclosure regimes.

Key Focus Areas:

• Strategic Growth: Leading the development and delivery of the FCA’s wholesale equity market priorities, including strengthening the UK’s position in wholesale markets and building its capital markets capability.
• Operational Excellence: Working alongside a co-director, the role requires building out teams and capabilities while championing the use of digital tools and AI to improve efficiency.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Forging and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including industry, other UK agencies, and international regulatory authorities.
• Cultural Leadership: Role modelling the necessary cultural change and fostering a strong sense of engagement and purpose within the directorate.

Candidate Profile:

The successful candidate will possess strong practical experience and expert knowledge of the operation of UK equity markets. Essential requirements include:

• Strong senior level equity market experience, ideally market facing, with a risk management mindset.
• Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to lead clearly and decisively through periods of change.
• The ability to deal with external stakeholders with gravitas and credibility.

This is a unique opportunity to join the FCA's senior leadership team and feed directly into the work to strengthen UK wholesale markets.

The FCA is open to considering flexible working arrangements and particularly welcomes applications from under-represented groups.

The salary range for this role in London is £200,000 to £260,000.

The FCA 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 Sunday 11^th December 2025.

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