Springboard CEO Anne Pierce to retire

Anne Pierce, chief executive of Springboard, is to retire after 23 years at the helm of the charity.

Springboard, which was founded in 1990 by Stephen Moss, supports people to improve their career potential in hospitality, leisure and tourism, particularly unemployed people, those who experience barriers to employment and young people in education.

Pierce joined the charity in 1997 and intends to step down towards the end of the year, although has committed to leading Springboard through the coronavirus crisis and until a suitable successor is found.

She said: “Early retirement was my plan for the end of our milestone 30th year. It will be an incredible wrench as I adore Springboard and the impact it has – I still get emotional when I hear stories about the positive difference we’ve made to people’s lives.

“I have made some wonderful friends, but I now want to spend precious time with my family and try my hand at self-sufficiency! It is the right moment to let a new, creative and motivated leader drive Springboard to even greater heights. I will depart knowing that I leave an outstanding team and a strong foundation and thank everyone who has given me and Springboard support over the years.”

Springboard’s life president and founder Stephen Moss said: ‘’When I founded Springboard in London 30 years ago, I could not have believed it would grow in impact, reputation and scale into the truly impressive national organisation that it is today. None of that would have been possible without Anne’s leadership, vision, dynamism, incredible energy and commitment. I am so immensely proud of what she has achieved and it has been a real privilege to work with her over the last 23 years.‘’

Alastair Storey, Springboard’s chairman, added: “I have had the pleasure of knowing Anne for many years and salute her contribution to Springboard and the wider industry. Her care, enthusiasm and dedication have been an example to us all and have made a real difference to so many people’s lives.”

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