Renaisi announces new Chair and Vice Chair of the board
Renaisi is pleased to announce the appointment of Rohati Chapman to Chair and Surekha Aggarwal to Vice Chair of its Board of Directors.
Rohati Chapman will take up the position of Chair of the Board, after serving as Vice Chair for just over a year. Rohati brings Renaisi a wealth of experience in partnerships, evidence & learning and programme delivery gained from a career that has spanned a range of organisational cultures. Prior to becoming an Independent Social Sector consultant working closely with Social CEOs and Boards, Rohati has worked across a range of organisational cultures delivering social impact partnerships. This has encompassed various roles including an Executive Director for an international NGO and seven years as a management consultant in PwC’s Government & Public Sector team.
“Renaisi has so many interesting facets. Firstly, I am attracted by the opportunities a social enterprise, or blended business model, has to tackle social challenges while not relying solely on philanthropy and government funds – which can be very restrictive. Secondly, the mission of creating the conditions for inclusive communities, using the lens of place, is one that personally resonates with me. I’ve been lucky enough to work on social change missions in both the UK and global development context – and I think fundamentally, it all starts with ‘what works in a place’ and sometimes it’s right to scale that.
Partnership quality, depth of impact, evidence and learning are just a few of my favourite things – and Renaisi cares about all of this. My ambition is that 2021 will provide the opportunity and space for Renaisi to make the strategic moves that have been percolating for a while. The Transitions programme supporting refugees with professional qualifications find work in the architecture, engineering and business sector is one development to watch. It’s a meaningful extension of Renaisi’s employability proposition for refugees and speaks to the ‘Good Work’ agenda which I think is critical to inclusive growth. And last but not least – that the Renaisi team continue to enjoy, be challenged and nurtured in Renaisi as a place to work.”
Surekha Aggarwal FCA takes the post of Vice Chair having served as non-executive director since November 2019. Surekha is a business and finance advisor, working with owner-managed businesses and values-driven organisations. She has advised on strategy, organisational development, capital raising, and risk management.
“Covid is reshaping our lives, our organisations, communities and economies in profound ways, presenting us with both challenges and opportunities. I believe that Renaisi is well placed to make a meaningful contribution to the employability and place-based development arenas. The dignity of earning a living and being able to support one’s family and wider community are not to be underestimated. I believe that the trickle up effects that flow from purposeful employment are enormous.
In taking on the Vice Chair role, I look forward to supporting the Chair, and working with the board and executive team, to help sharpen Renaisi’s strategic focus and strengthen how it delivers on its mission.”
