Who we are
OUR HISTORY
As an early pioneer we have always found disruptive and creative ways of helping change people’s mindsets and inspiring them to believe the impossible is within reach. We instinctively recognised that unlocking the power of purpose in business could be hugely beneficial to society and to businesses.
The Bridge Institute is BRIDGE’s not-for-profit arm and exists to take this work to the hardest places to solve seemingly impossible challenges.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Declan Doogan
USA
Declan M.D, FRCP was the former Head of Worldwide Development for Pfizer and is now the CEO of Portage Biotech. He holds professorship positions at Harvard School of Public Health, Glasgow Medical School and Kitasato University in Tokyo. His focus in on the development of new strategies to improve yield and effectiveness in the development of global health technology.
Jim Walker
USA
Jim has worked for the past 20 years with businesses, cities and states to drive solutions on water and clean energy. He is a co-founder of The Climate Group, a major network of companies and governments working to advance clean energy solutions, and was the founding CEO of the We Mean Business coalition. In 2014 he established the Climate Mobilization Fund to assist the IKEA Foundation and others in mobilizing business and civil society action on climate change. He is currently Executive Director of Thirst, a nonprofit that runs a major education and innovation program with students across China. He is an advisor to Energy Unlocked, the Purpose Climate Lab, IronOak Energy and Green Collar Foods and competed for Great Britain at the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games in rowing.
Shashikumar Velath
India
Shashikumar was formerly the Co-CEO, Amnesty International India, and has over 20 years experience as a war/conflict reporter, award winning public investigative journalist and strategist. He currently is a leader for social innovation and frame change strategy for Ashoka. He has a Masters Degree in International Relations.
Nicola Gilchrist
United Kingdom
Nicola has built her career handling communications and engagement for high-profile businesses including Diageo, Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. She has recently returned from three years in Singapore leading Corporate & Government affairs for Mondelez International’s Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa business where she was responsible for protecting and promoting brands like Cadbury, Oreo and Vegemite in over 100 markets. Having benefited from Bridge coaching personally, Nicola is passionate about taking that experience to a wider audience through the Bridge Institute. Prior to her career in government affairs, Nicola trained as a lawyer and holds a Masters in Criminology & Criminal Justice from the University of Oxford.
Anthony Rushton
Hong Kong
Anthony is the Chairman of the Hong Kong Management Association and has over 30 years management experience of which the last 15 years have been in learning and development. He is currently the Head of Learning for HSBC Asia Pacific. Anthony has been supporting the institute for a number of years, being a profoundly critical supporter since its inception.
Jonathan Wright
USA
Jonathan is a Global Partner at IBM running the Process Re-engineering Consulting Services. He is experienced in driving change and helping large Multi National Organizations realize their potential in a rapidly changing business environment. He is a thought leader with the World Economic Forum and has presented at Davos. He has also worked for EY, spent 17 years with Accenture and 4 years at Exxon. He holds a 1st BEng Hons Degree in Engineering. He is a diversity champion and is a strong supporter of equality in the workplace and society. He has lived in London, Singapore and is now based in New York.
The Role of the Board
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