He took the lead on a programme of change as ASI embarked on wide consultation, refined governance, revised corporate objectives and structure, and introduced many measures to ensure integrity. Working with the Board, Jonathan steered ASI’s adoption of a triple bottom line and membership of the UN Global Compact for responsible business practice.

“During a turbulent period, Jonathan has shown dedication and skill in helping ASI to take stock and address weaknesses,” said Rod Slee, Acting Chair. “Perhaps more than anything, Jonathan reflects the values of the people in this company who work in often arduous circumstances to promote development, with acumen, strategic approaches, and perseverance.”

Now that corporate reforms are largely in place and ASI has resumed all its normal operations – including lifting its voluntary withdrawal from bidding on new work with the government of the United Kingdom – Jonathan is the right person to manage the continuing change process and provide leadership and stability to the company, Mr Slee said.

Jonathan has been an Executive Director of ASI since 2012. He joined the company in 2002 and successfully led the development of services in private sector development and extractive industries governance, establishing the company as a global leader in both fields. Jonathan built the Australian subsidiary business and was responsible for leading work funded by Australia and New Zealand, and for ASI’s work across the ASEAN region and the Pacific.

Jonathan has delivered numerous economic growth and government reform programmes across Asia, the Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, with clients ranging from development agencies, international financial institutions, foundations and host governments. Jonathan holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Bristol.

His appointment as permanent CEO is effective immediately.

Rachel English steps down from ASI Board

After guiding the company through an intensive period of corporate reforms, Rachel English has stepped down from the Board of Adam Smith International to pursue other priorities.

Rachel joined the ASI Board in September 2016 as an independent non-executive director and Chair of the Audit Committee so that ASI could draw on her considerable expertise in corporate governance at a time when the company was in transition. She became Deputy Chair from March 2017 and Acting Chair in August 2017.

In these roles, she worked with the executive team and staff to introduce extensive corporate reforms at ASI, including establishing the Audit Committee, introducing the legal, ethics and compliance function, strengthening whistleblowing policies and procedures, enhancing the internal audit function, enhancing the company’s code of conduct, and strengthening the Board.  ASI also adopted a triple bottom line, accountable for financial, social and environmental performance.

Alongside her portfolio of non-executive director roles on international companies, Rachel now intends to focus her energy on the development of the company that she founded, Helios Social Enterprise, which delivers affordable energy to remote communities in sub Saharan Africa on a sustainable basis.

Rod Slee has been appointed Acting Chair of the ASI Board while a search for a permanent independent non-executive chair is completed. “ASI is extremely grateful for Rachel’s leadership during the period of our transition,” Mr Slee said.  “We regret her departure and wish her every success in her future endeavours.”

Board Changes

Two independent non-executive directors, James Bond and Hasan Tuluy, and CFO Keir Prince have resigned from the Board, due to fundamental differences regarding the respective roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities of the Board and the Trustees.  Keir remains in his CFO position.

James and Hasan wished ASI well as it continues its broad programme of corporate reform towards becoming a certified B-Corp.

Acting Chair Rodney Slee thanked both James and Hasan for their dedication and sound counsel over the past months of service to the Board.

For media inquiries:
Brigid Janssen, Communications Adviser – Adam Smith International
Tel: +44 207 735 6660
Email: brigid.janssen@adamsmithinternational.com

Adam Smith International
ASI is a strategic development company that works to grow economies, make governments more efficient, and strengthen security. Our clients are governments, international organisations and foundations who engage us to develop policies and deliver programmes that expand economies, make public institutions fair and efficient, and make societies safe and stable. ASI is an employee-owned trust that has a triple bottom line of financial, social and environmental accountability.