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.