The Big Issue Group, well known for its work in the UK for changing the way poverty is tackled, has for the first time appointed a director general – the former CEO of a wealth management business with a track record in the sector going back almost four decades.

WealthBriefing can exclusively report today that former CEO of Bordier & Cie (UK) Jamie MacLeod has become the first-ever director general of the Big Issue Group, a UK-based social enterprise.

In some ways, the move to the organisation is a change of tack for MacLeod (pictured), who left the Bordier business last summer, as reported here, having spent almost four decades in the wealth management sector. He is joining an organisation familiar to many people for its The Big Issue publication, and for its work in tackling poverty (as covered here).

MacLeod will work with Lord John Bird MBE, co- founder of Big Issue and Big Issue Invest, Nigel Kershaw OBE, co-founder of Big Issue Invest, and the group’s senior management board on a part-time basis, the Big Issue Group said in a statement.

“I am deeply honoured to step into this role at such a pivotal moment in society. The mission of Big Issue resonates with my personal and professional values, and I am committed to supporting meaningful impact alongside Big Issue’s very talented teams and partners,” MacLeod said. “The challenges we face are significant, but so too is the opportunity to create lasting change. I look forward to applying my experience in investment management and other industries to further support Big Issue.

“The Big Issue Group has fabulous subsidiary businesses such as Big Issue Invest, Big Issue Impact Advisory and co-founding The Big Exchange, which I have engaged with over the last 12 years, alongside its globally renowned magazine which helps support around 4,000 vendors every week."

MacLeod’s brief is to focus on long-term high-level strategy, external representation, and supporting efforts which attract investors and partners.

Nigel Kershaw (pictured below), chair of the Big Issue Group, added: “I have known Jamie for a long time, and we’re really pleased he will be supporting our efforts with investors and partners. His entrepreneurial experience aligns perfectly with how Big Issue, our investment arm Big Issue Invest and joint venture The Big Exchange are seeking to create change.”

Nigel Kershaw

In 2018, McLeod co-created his own initiative to support homeless former military veterans to enter employment. 

The Big Issue Group said MacLeod’s background wpuld be “invaluable” as it grows to improve lives for the 16 million people in Britain that it says live in poverty.

The Big Issue has been sold on Britain’s high streets since 1991. It offers its vendors – people living in extreme poverty – a chance to earn a legitimate income, by buying magazines for £2 and selling them to the public for £4, keeping the difference.

This news service’s WealthForGood Awards Programme, with a public ceremony on 26 June in London, is open for entries. Nigel Kershaw, mentioned above, is one of the judges.