Big Issue Invest hires MD

Big Issue Invest has appointed Holger Westphely (pictured) as managing director after Danyal Sattar OBE stepped down as CEO in March.

The group said in a statement Westphely will now lead the social impact investor into its 20th year.

He was head of lending at the firm since 2022, and have two decades’ experience in finance and social investment having started his career at Schroders. He also worked at CAF Venturesome managing a social portfolio, and co-founded Eastside People advising charities and social enterprises on finance and growth.

See also: Green Dream with Big Issue Invest: Social impact factors to look out for in 2025

Westphely said: “I’m excited to be taking charge of Big Issue Invest as we enter a milestone year for the business. We’ve spent 20 years of investing in businesses that dismantle poverty, and I’m proud to be leading us into the next chapter with real determination to build further on that incredible legacy.

“With more than one in five Brits living in poverty right now, social investment offers a much-needed alternative approach to financing and delivering positive social impact for our communities. We’re committed to doing all we can to back the UK’s many brilliant mission-driven businesses dismantling poverty and addressing disparities in health, education, housing and more.”

See also: Big Issue Invest: Boosting social impact through investment and sport