Leeds-headquartered Ahead Partnership has appointed a new chief operating officer to help drive forward its vision to help businesses to make meaningful impact within society through their ESG and social value initiatives.
The organisation, which has been working throughout the last 15 years to deliver projects that help overcome inequality and promote opportunity, with a host of high-profile partners like Avanti West Coast, Northern Powergrid, PwC, Arup and Landsec, has appointed Gareth Osborne to the newly-created role.
Responding to increasing demand from business and building on the success of large-scale regional projects like Growing Talent Digital Leeds and Growing Talent BPFS (Business, Professional and Financial Services) in the West Midlands, as well as the roll-out of a number of national projects with high-profile partners, the appointment is part of the organisation’s investment for future growth.
Gareth brings a wealth of professional experience, having held senior positions at high-profile organisations including Eversheds; Bradford College; Leeds Trinity University; and London Business School. Gareth now joins the Ahead Partnership team following almost eight years as director of Appletrees Associates, a consultancy specialising in supporting professional services firms, educational institutions, charities and social enterprises.
Working alongside chief executive Stephanie Burras CBE and the team, Gareth will help shape Ahead Partnership’s future direction, developing new services and evolving and growing the design and consultancy-led approach that delivers outstanding results for partners and clients.