The European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA) has appointed Leslie Johnston, CEO of the Laudes Foundation, to become the new Chair of the organisation.

Johnston replaces Steven Serneels, who served as EVPA Chair for the last two years.

‘I am thrilled to step up to this role and hope that my experience across strategic philanthropy, social enterprise and business will further EVPA’s mission. I am particularly inspired by the potential to harness the power of business for good, and I look forward to supporting EVPA, along with its board, in strengthening the impact ecosystem across Europe’, said Johnston.

Roberta Bosurgi, EVPA CEO, said: ‘I look forward to working with Leslie and the Board to lead EVPA on a journey to achieve positive, lasting social and environmental change at scale. I am confident that together, we will reach our ambition of mobilising resources across the board and shaping policies that will enable this shift.’

Johnston launched the Laudes Foundation as its first CEO in January 2020. In addition to EVPA, Johnston serves on the boards of Fashion for Good, the Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy, and Built by Nature.