Cliff Prior has announced that he will be standing down from the role of CEO of The Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG) in six months’ time after four years’ service.

Cliff has been involved with GSG since its inception in 2013, leading a working group on mission led business. He was appointed CEO in 2020. During his tenure the GSG network of National Advisory Boards has grown to represent over 40 countries, while the movement towards impact transparency has accelerated. The team has developed from seven to over 20, and with the support of inspiring donors the annual budget has gone from £800k to over £2.5m.

From GSG’s first engagement with the G20 in 2019 the organisation now provides regular and multifaceted advice and expertise to bodies including G7, G20, COP, World Economic Forum, International Foundation for Valuing Impacts, International Sustainability Standards Board and International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board. 

Sir Ronald Cohen, President, The Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG) said:

“Under Cliff’s leadership, the GSG has developed into an authoritative and influential organization that spans the globe. His sense of mission and dedication to impact will, I am sure, guide his future efforts. I wish him continued success and look forward to maintaining our partnership which goes back more than a decade to the G8 Social Impact Investment Taskforce and Big Society Capital.” 

Right Hon. Nick Hurd, Chair, The Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG) said:

Cliff has been an effective and popular CEO for over four years, and the Board is extremely grateful to him for his very important contribution to our story of growth and impact. He has been involved with GSG from the start and we look forward to continued collaboration with him as a true champion of impact. The Board has initiated a process to find a suitable successor who can help us make our unique network ever more influential in mobilising capital for positive impact across the world.

Cliff Prior, CEO, The Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG) said:

It has been an enormous privilege to lead the GSG. After over four years as CEO of this outstanding organisation, and with GSG well positioned for the future, it’s the right time for me to move on. Stepping down from my position as GSG CEO will give me the time, and space, to take up Non-Exec and Advisory roles. It’s been a pleasure to work with an exceptional team, a highly engaged and supportive Chair and Board; and in Sir Ronald Cohen, GSG’s founder, a mentor and friend.

Previous to GSG, Cliff Prior CBE was CEO of Big Society Capital, the UK’s wholesale social impact investor and market developer; CEO of UnLtd the UK foundation for social entrepreneurs and CEO of Rethink for people affected by severe mental ill health. Cliff has also worked in healthcare, elder care, social housing and homelessness. He has participated as a government regulator and adviser across several social issue areas and has co-founded social enterprises.

We are thrilled to announce today a strategic partnership between the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG) and the Y3i Group (YPO Impact Investing Initiative).

The YPO Y3i Group and GSG have joined forces to advance impact together, united by a common goal of promoting impact investment through education and advocacy. Together, we’ll leverage our collective resources, tools, and knowledge to host learning events and on-the-ground activities globally.

This partnership between GSG and YPO Y3i aims to advance impact investing for the betterment of people and the planet. It opens doors for joint education, research, and advocacy initiatives, granting YPO members access to GSG learning and convening events.

We extend our gratitude to partnership champions Naava Mashiah (YPO North Star Integrated) and Rui Barros (YPO Portugal), who have cultivated this relationship with GSG over recent years.

Cliff Prior, GSG, CEO said, “Through its Impact Investing Initiative, YPO and its members have made a clear commitment to scaling impact. We are delighted to support them in driving real impact through their businesses and capital, for the benefit of people and the planet.”

GSG, active in over 50 countries, works with a growing network of national partners to advance impact investing and develop impact economies. Through its work with governments and regulators it is progressing the transformation of global financial systems, so that every investment decision takes into account impact, as well as risk and return.

About YPO Y3i Group:
The YPO Impact Investing Initiative was launched in 2019 as a partnership across four networks to respond to the growing relevance of impact investing within and beyond YPO. We banded together in a special partnership initially across the Deal, Financial Services, Investing Network and Sustainable Business Network to support more knowledge and practice of impact investing.

About GSG:
The Global Steering Group for Impact Investment (GSG) is an independent global steering group promoting sustainable development and advancing education in impact investment. GSG was established in 2015 as the successor to, and incorporating the work of, the Social Impact Investment Taskforce established under the UK’s presidency of the G8.

As a global organisation, it works across over 50 countries catalysing impact investment and entrepreneurship to benefit people and the planet, raising awareness of impact investing, advancing impact economies, and working with governments on policies and regulations. For more information visit www.gsgii.org